Djokovic, Federer, Nadal propose relief fund for lower-ranked players

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Novak Djokovic has written a letter to all ATP players proposing a plan that would see the top 100 singles players in men's tennis - and the top 20 in doubles - contribute to a relief fund for their lower-ranked peers.

The goal is to raise over $4 million in order to give $10,000 to every men's singles player ranked No. 250-700 in the world.

Djokovic wrote that the ATP has agreed to contribute over $1 million for singles players ranked No. 150-400 and added that there's a "good chance" the Grand Slam tournaments will pitch in $500,000 each.

The World No. 1 and current ATP Player Council president said Saturday he had a "long discussion" with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - the other members of the sport's proverbial "Big Three" - about how to help players who are "struggling the most," according to The Associated Press.

He wrote in his letter that the plan is a joint proposal by all three players and outlined the specifics of its structure:

• Players ranked 50-100 contribute $5,000 each
• Players ranked 20-50 contribute $10,000 each
• Players ranked 10-20 contribute $15,000 each
• Players ranked 5-10 contribute $20,000 each
• Players ranked 1-5 contribute $30,000 each
• Top 20 doubles players contribute $5,000 each

The ATP and WTA Tours have both halted play due to the COVID-19 crisis. Multiple tournaments have been postponed or canceled, including Wimbledon, which won't be played for the first time since 1945.