Novak Djokovic has said that he, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are organising aid for players struggling with the paralysis of the game due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I spoke to Roger and Rafa a few days ago," Djokovic, the world number one, said in an Instagram chat with friend and rival Stan Wawrinka on Saturday.
"We had a long conversation about the near future of tennis, what is going to happen, how we can contribute and how we can help especially lower-ranked players, who are obviously struggling the most."
"The majority of the players who are ranked between 200, 250 in the world, and the 700th or 1,000th do not have federation support, do not have sponsors. They are completely independent and left alone," he said "Guys who are ranked between 200-250, especially to 700...are thinking of leaving tennis right now."
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"These guys are the grass roots of tennis. The future of tennis. We need to show them they still can rely on support of the top guys."
"I've been quite touched by the top players who reached out, the big names expressing their desire of helping the lower-ranked players and putting those players first."
"We are also talking with the Grand Slams about it. They may want to join in the effort. I think it would be a great message for the sport."
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