Djokovic denies rift with Federer, Nadal over Kermode ouster

Miami, March 21: World No.1 Novak Djokovic played down a reported rift with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, saying he welcomed their views on the controversial ousting of ATP Chairman Chris Kermode.

Federer and Nadal ripped top-ranked Djokovic, current president of the ATP Player Council, for failing to contact them over the decision to terminate Kermode, whose reign began in 2014 and concludes at year's end after a vote at Indian Wells earlier this month.

Serbian star Djokovic vociferously pushed for change despite many within the game strongly advocating for the Englishman to remain in charge.

Federer said he was not "chasing" Djokovic for an explanation despite claiming at Indian Wells it was "hard to understand" why Djokovic turned down a request to discuss the situation.

Djokovic, however, maintains he would welcome the input of the Swiss and Spanish legends.

Novak Djokovic played down a reported rift with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, saying he welcomed their views on the controversial ousting of ATP Chairman Chris Kermode.https://t.co/hXZAnNNA9r

— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) March 21, 2019

"We welcome them as well as anyone else who wants to join the political discussions," Djokovic said ahead of the ATP Miami Open, where he is due to begin play on Friday (March 22).

"The player council is only part of the structure. We aren't part of the board or deciding anything. We're in consultation and collaboration with player board representatives.

"Federer and Nadal have been icons of our sport for so many years and their opinions are extremely important to everyone. If they want to be active and part of it, either officially or unofficially, I think it's only positive for us.

Nadal stressed the decision to make a change at the top of the ATP was so big that everyone should have been consulted, raising the chance of a major fall-out between the three stars.

"I haven't noticed anything from their side or from mine," Djokovic said.

"It's not necessary for people to create any tensions or divisions between us. On the contrary, I have a good relationship with both of them. We always respected each other. We are rivals of course so it's hard to be friends.

"We need an open dialogue and for people to have different opinions. That's what a democratic society is. We all try and be part of that."

Djokovic said many players were frustrated at the current system.

"It's frustrating for me personally and other players who've been part of the structure because it has failed us many times," he said.

"And many times when top players wanted to be involved and be heard they felt like everything they have said was not really followed through in a way it was supposed to be."

(With inputs from Agencies)