(AP) — Roger Federer is calling for the merger of the governing bodies for the men's and women's professional tennis tours, sparking a conversation among players and fans.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion issued the notion in a series of tweets, saying it probably should have happened a long time ago and maybe now is really the time.

Those giving support to the idea include rival Rafael Nadal and 12-time major singles champion Billie Jean King, who founded the WTA and has long said men and women should share one tour. Women’s tennis stars Simona Halep and Garbiñe Muguruza have also voiced their approval.

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