Pasarell behind De Villiers changes

The top players may be unhappy with the direction that ATP chief Etienne de Villiers is taking the tour, but ATP Board tournament representative Charlie Pasarell is firmly in the CEO's corner. If that's the case given his influence amongst tournament directors, it's unlikely that the players will be able to force the board to interview new candidates before De Villiers' contract is reviewed at the end of this year.

Players recently delivered a letter to the board calling for input on De Villiers' position along with specifically asking for a job search.

Pasarell, who is one of the owners of the Pacific Life Open, told TennisReporters.net that he likes the daring direction that De Villiers is taking the tour and the players are being predictably conservative and stubborn.