The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), an independent players’ union co-founded by Novak Djokovic in 2019, has filed a lawsuit against tennis’ major governing bodies, alleging anti-competitive practices and a failure to prioritize player welfare. The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, targets the ATP Tour, the WTA Tour, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
In a statement released Tuesday, the PTPA outlined its frustrations after years of unsuccessful attempts to reform professional tennis through dialogue. According to the association, these governing bodies have exercised “monopolistic control” over the sport, stifling player earnings, compromising their health and safety, and perpetuating unfair systems that benefit a select few.
Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the PTPA, emphasized the need for systemic change. “Tennis is broken. Behind the glamorous veneer promoted by the Defendants, players are trapped in an unfair system that exploits their talent and jeopardizes their wellbeing,” Nassar said. “We have exhausted all options for reform through dialogue, and the governing bodies have left us no choice but to seek accountability through the courts.”
The lawsuit asserts that the governing bodies are guilty of paying professional players artificially low compensation and enforcing a “draconian” ranking system that forces athletes to compete in an unsustainable number of tournaments. The PTPA claims that players are made to compete in extreme conditions, such as excessive heat and early hours, and are subjected to unreasonable demands and random drug tests that violate their privacy.
In response to the legal action, the ATP Tour dismissed the claims as divisive, stating that it would “vigorously defend” its position. “We strongly reject the premise of the PTPA’s claims, believe the case to be entirely without merit, and remain committed to working in the best interests of the game, players, tournaments, and fans,” an ATP spokesperson said.
Similarly, the WTA described the lawsuit as “baseless,” emphasizing its track record of promoting the growth of women’s tennis and stating that players are well-compensated for their participation. “Every decision at the WTA Board level includes input from players, and athletes benefit from substantial financial rewards and other support,” the WTA added.
The ITF also responded, reaffirming its commitment to the global growth of tennis. “As a not-for-profit organization, we reinvest 90% of our income into the development of the sport through our 213 member National Associations,” said an ITF spokesperson.
The PTPA’s legal actions are not limited to the U.S., as they have also initiated proceedings in the UK and the EU. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has been a vocal advocate for reform within tennis, highlighting the financial struggles faced by lower-ranked players. He explained in a 2023 CBS interview: “Players ranked around 200 or lower are struggling to afford basic expenses, like coaches and travel. Many talented players are forced to leave the sport, potentially never reaching their full potential.”
The PTPA’s lawsuit has garnered support from over 250 players across various tours, including many of the sport’s top-ranked athletes, who agree that immediate change is needed to address these systemic issues. The association hopes that this legal action will lead to a fairer, more sustainable future for professional tennis players.
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