Thursday 23 April 2020 11:01, UK
Roger Federer has called for a merger between the men's ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs the women's circuit.
Tennis is under a lengthy coronavirus shutdown with lower-level professionals in deep financial crisis.
The season was suspended in March due to the pandemic and the shutdown will continue at least until mid-July.
"Just wondering... am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men's and women's tennis to be united and come together as one?" Federer said on Twitter.
"I am not talking about merging competition on the court, but merging the 2 governing bodies (ATP and WTA) that oversee the men's and women's professional tours..."
In response to a reader's comment, the 38-year-old wrote: "It's too confusing for the fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories."
In response, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said tennis now had a "big opportunity" to create unity.
"Recent cooperation between governing bodies has only strengthened my belief that a unified sport is the surest way to maximise our potential and to deliver an optimal experience for fans on-site, on television and online," he said.
"To that end, I welcome the views of our players. Tennis has always led the way when it comes to putting men and women together on the biggest stages - it's one of our strengths, and sets us apart from many other sports.
"We look forward to continued collaboration and discussions with the WTA and other stakeholders across all aspects of our business."
Federer's comments attracted support from his fellow professionals, including 19-time grand-slam winner and long-time adversary Rafael Nadal.
Nadal tweeted: "Hey @rogerfederer as you know per our discussions I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in one only organisation."
Reigning Wimbledon women's singles champion Simona Halep replied: "You are not the only one."
Former Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza said: "Yes, would be a good idea."
ATP stars Nick Kyrgios and Diego Schwartzman also tweeted their support as well as tennis legend Billie Jean King.
King, who won 39 Grand Slam titles, said it was an idea she had been proposing since the 1970s.
She replied: "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 #onevoice."
The men's ATP Tour, the WTA, along with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and organisers of the four Grand Slams, are creating a fund to help the lower-level players affected by the shutdown.
Federer, 38, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February. The Swiss great had planned to be sidelined for at least four months before the outbreak suspended sport around the world.
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