It was the tweet that launched a thousand more; millions more actually.
Roger Federer singlehandedly sent the tennis ecosystem into frenzy by posting on social media that it was time the men's and women's tours merged into one.
Rafael Nadal endorsed him shortly after. Vasek Pospisil jumped in on the action and revealed that the subject has been on the table since January, brought forward to the men’s players by the ATP.
It wasn’t long before many of the WTA’s top players backed Federer’s sentiments, including the likes of Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Garbine Muguruza and WTA Player Council members Sloane Stephens and Donna Vekic.
Even Billie Jean King herself – the founder of the WTA and the woman who fought tooth and nail to create a tour worthy of her and her peers, and help make women’s tennis the most successful female sport in the world – voiced her approval.
“I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis. The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same page. Let’s make it happen,” tweeted King on Wednesday.
The reaction from the tennis world hit meteoric levels of excitement at such an unexpectedly rapid rate, that it left no room for scepticism. Almost no room for scepticism!
While the big win here is that a compelling conversation has started that could possibly result in a stronger and less fragmented structure in professional tennis, it’s important to analyse the various factors that come into play, and revisit the relevant historical facts that led to the existing divisions that are so deep-rooted in tennis.
King has always maintained that her initial plan was to have the men’s and women’s tours under one umbrella. In the early ‘70s, the men wouldn’t accept that and turned her away.
“They still don't want us, but some day, I don't know if it's before I die or not, but if they were smart we would have been together from day one, because we should have owned the Grand Slams too,” King told reporters in Singapore at the end of the 2018 season.
“If I had had my vision, it's very different from what I envisioned, but we were pretty good with Plan B, I think.”
Since King’s early days fighting for this cause, the subject has been brought up many times but a merger never materialised. In the late ‘90s, the then ATP CEO Mark Miles proposed a seven-stop combined tour in efforts to create a unified product that would be stronger in the marketplace. The women’s tour snubbed his proposal worrying it would weaken their identity.
In 2009, Larry Scott, who was the WTA’s chairman and CEO at the time, resigned from his position citing frustration over failed merger talks as one of the reasons behind his decision.
"What I really thought the sport needed to do to unlock its full potential was for the WTA and the ATP to merge," Scott told Tennis.com. "I have a deep belief that that needs to happen. It's obviously not going to happen on my watch."
More recently, ex-world No 1 Halep told reporters in 2018 at the combined ATP/WTA tournament in Madrid that she wished the men’s and women’s tours weren’t separate circuits.
“If one day it's going to be one tour, it's going to be nice to be together every tournament. I like that. I think it's much better to have that,” the Romanian said.
At last year’s Australian Open, when Nadal was asked if he fancied the idea of the tours joining forces, the Spaniard was unsure if that would be beneficial.
“Why? I don't know. I don't get the point,” said Nadal. When the reporter suggested that it might result in a stronger product, Nadal responded: “Why is a stronger product? I don't know.
“I don't know. I don't have the whole information to know if that would be a stronger product or not.”
Success story
Squash provides a decent example to look at. At the end of 2014, the men’s and women’s squash tours were brought together under one governing body – the PSA (Professional Squash Association). The women were making far less money on their tour, compared to the men, and the WSA (Women’s Squash Association) was barely sustainable.
PSA chairman Ziad Al-Turki was adamant on changing that and believed in having both tours unified as one.
"You cannot develop a sport just concentrating on one sex," the Saudi supremo told The National.
According to Al-Turki, the people running the women’s tour were not keen on the merger (“they were narrow-minded”), which forced the female players themselves to step up and lead the discussions with the PSA. Eventually the WSA was dissolved and became part of the PSA.
“It’s been very good for both sexes. Prize money went up, more tournaments emerged, social media went up 258 per cent in three years,” added Al-Turki. “It’s a perfect example why the two should be working side by side.”
Al-Turki says the majority of the male players were behind the unification of the tours, although a few of the top women’s players would tell you otherwise.
All the top-tier events were required to have both men’s and women’s tournaments and were told they had three years to figure out a way to offer equal prize money, without lowering the prize pot that was initially dedicated to the men. Events like the World Championships and the World Tour Finals hit parity from the get-go.
“We showed the men that we’re not going to take anything away from them. And after two or three years, they all agreed this was a great move,” insists Al-Turki.
“It also became the buzz word. We were going after this before it became fashionable to have parity.”
Within three years, the PSA’s revenues had gone up by 68.4% compared to pre-merger figures. The sport was getting more air time because there were more tournaments on offer to broadcasters through their TV rights deals.
The women’s prize fund increased by 52.9 per cent within that period, while the men’s went up by 19.4 per cent.
Women’s world No 5 Nour El Tayeb, who is married to men’s world No 2 Ali Farag, admits there has been resentment among the male players about the merger but believes they will all reap the rewards in the long run.
“They’re definitely not on board and they’re not hiding it. So many of the men’s players are unhappy about equal prize money, and in a way they have a valid reason.
"The PSA said that combining the tours would be beneficial for both the men and the women, but because our tour was originally smaller than the men's, most of the money that came into the sport went to the women so we can have equal prize money compared to the men," El Tayeb told The National in an interview last year.
Equal voice
Should a tennis merger actually happen, the women must make sure they have an equal voice at the table. It’s not just about equal prize money – which is obviously a must and still hasn’t been fully achieved in tennis – but there needs to be genuine buy-in from the ATP side, and belief in what the women will bring to the equation.
Cutting a cheque is easy, but being respectful and fair, and advocating for each other equally is a different story.
At times, the men’s tour has taken a superior or dismissive stance when it comes to the WTA. Just three and a half months ago, the ATP Cup that debuted in Australia relegated the women’s WTA Premier event in Brisbane to the outside courts in the early rounds, giving the men of the ATP Cup sole access to Centre Court for the first few days.
Few male players have openly supported equal pay in the sport, which makes you wonder whether that will change if the tours combine.
The tours have been operating so independently in many different ways, that we were shocked when we started receiving joint statements from them when the sport was hit by the coronavirus.
Another unprecedented move was the launch of the new show, Tennis United, co-hosted by the ATP and the WTA. It’s great to see those early signs of unity, but jumping into a merger sounds like a gigantic leap in comparison. It feels like such a sudden change of heart from the men who spent most of their time resisting this very notion.
With tennis now facing a crisis in the form of this global pandemic that has suspended the season for no less than five months, it’s definitely the right time to reflect, form new opinions, and examine a concept like a merger. If done the right way, the benefits could be substantial.
Combining the tours could help save costs, would give the unified circuit higher negotiating power with broadcasters and sponsors, and would eliminate a lot of confusion among fans who are currently struggling with the different rules for each tour, the numerous platforms they have to subscribe to in order to watch tennis, and the varying tournament structures and ranking systems.
‘Stronger together’ is a lovely sentiment and one we can all get behind. Let’s just hope the women get a fair shake out of it.
Newcastle United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Tottenham (Alli 61'), Davies (70')
Red card Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle)
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Roma 4
Milner (15' OG), Dzeko (52'), Nainggolan (86', 90 4')
Liverpool 2
Mane (9'), Wijnaldum (25')
Guide to intelligent investing
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
South Africa World Cup squad
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (w), JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group B
Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Eriksen 80')
Inter Milan 0
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
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The specs: 2018 Bentley Bentayga V8
Price, base: Dh853,226
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 550hp @ 6,000pm
Torque: 770Nm @ 1,960rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.4L / 100km
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi
Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni
Rating: 2.5/5
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
More on animal trafficking
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier
Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
SQUADS
South Africa:
JP Duminy (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), AB de Villiers, Robbie Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle (wkt), Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi
Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Imrul Kayes, Liton Das (wkt), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed
Fixtures
Oct 26: Bloemfontein
Oct 29: Potchefstroom
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
