Top men unite behind Hewitt

The fledgling players' union, the International Men's Tennis Association, will hold its first official meeting tomorrow. The union, fronted by the South African veteran Wayne Ferreira, has the backing of the world No1 Lleyton Hewitt and appears to be gaining popularity.

Hewitt's very public endorsement of the union, which aims to get better representation for players in negotiations with the men's governing body the ATP, has boosted its profile. Though many players are still reluctant to go public with their support, Ferreira claims that more than 20 of the world's leading men have signed up.

The organisation will be set up in conjunction with a New York-based law firm and, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times, has already been incorporated under US law.

According to a memo distributed by the group last week, an extract of which was published in the LA Times, the IMTA's main objectives are to "improve the flow of information from the ATP to the players" and "obtain financial and operational information from the ATP, including information relating to the player pension plan, ATP revenue and expenses".

Little wonder the memo mentions money. The group grew from a widespread feeling in the locker room that the dwindling funds in men's tennis were not being spent wisely. The ATP's revenue has been severely affected in recent years by both the falling value of television rights and the collapse of its $1.2bn (£760m) deal with the sports marketing firm ISL.

News that the IMTA is gathering momentum will not please the ATP's chief executive Mark Miles. He spent last week here meeting players and trying desperately to forestall any rebellion. He is currently negotiating with the grand slam committee - which runs the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open - over prize money, and the last thing he wants is a mutiny among his players.

But Hewitt is not the only big name to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ferreira. Tim Henman has not ruled out joining the IMTA, and the former world No1 Gustavo Kuerten has also lent his support.

"I think the players, if they get together, it's a good sign of power," said the Brazilian. "I think we should have more unity from the players, so basically if he's looking for that I think I will agree, to have the players having more, counting more. They have to get themselves sometimes together, as every sport needs to do."

Hewitt, meanwhile, beat the American qualifier Vincent Spadea 7-6, 6-1 in the Pacific Life Open to earn a final against Kuerten, who beat the German Rainer Schüttler 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. The Australian was trying to become the first back-to-back champion here since Michael Chang in 1996-97.