Federer, Nadal staying quiet on specifics of talks between players

Rafael Nadal downplayed talk of a new player union, but said he was in favor of joint player discussions about prize money and conditions.

Various ATP players have confirmed a story in the Daily Mail that Novak Djokovic asked officials to leave the room at the ATP's annual player meeting. Issues like increasing tournament prize money and forming a player union were discussed among the players, though there has not been agreement on all the details described.

"I don't know 100 percent about what's going on or not, but at some point is good that the players speak between each other about what we want or what we don't want," said Nadal. "That's all. Not about union or not union. Forget about this. Just about speaking about what's the things that are right on the tour, what's the things that can be better."

Nadal backed prize money increases for lower-ranked players, which he and Federer both helped to introduce while they were on the ATP Player Council, of which Djokovic is currently president.

"I believe that the tennis improved a lot for the lower ranking players. We were fighting... for the players that are lower ranking to have better money to survive," said Nadal. "If there is 300 people living from tennis is better than if there is only 100. But that's my opinion. The real thing is if we can help at some point to the players that needs more help, will be fantastic."

Federer was quoted in English as telling journalists from Switzerland, "it was good the players got together and talked about a union and money," but "details should stay among the players."

ATP and Grand Slam officials have declined to comment.

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