Konta states if ATP and WTA join forces it must be "merger of equals"

Johanna Konta backs having a joint ATP and WTA Tour but wants a "merger of equals" if it should happen.

"I wouldn’t see how, right now in today’s age, it would be allowed to be called anything else," Konta was quoted as telling press in Britain.

It has been a hot topic since Roger Federer tweeted in favor of such a move a few weeks ago, backed by Rafael Nadal, with ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi and WTA CEO Steve Simon both expressing agreement with the idea.

But, there have also been questions about the effect it would have on prize money and tournament status given differences between the tours. According to the Telegraph, the ATP tour provides $250 million in prize money and the WTA tour $180 million in prize money to its players. That does not include Grand Slams, which give the same amounts to men's and women's players and are run independently.

Konta, who is on the WTA Player Council, is also in agreement if the right conditions can be found. But she says that won't be easy.

"I definitely think in the long run it makes sense for it to be one tour," Konta said. "But I also know there are a lot of moving parts to it. There will be a lot of people who won’t want it to happen, but also a lot of people who do."

"There is a long way between saying, this is what should happen and this is what will happen. I am definitely for it and think it makes sense," the Brit said.

The Grand Slam semifinalist is currently No. 14 in the rankings.