Novak Djokovic’s players’ union has taken a bold step by launching legal proceedings against tennis authorities, accusing them of “anti-competitive practices” and neglecting player welfare. This move by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), co-founded by Djokovic, has caught the attention of the United States District Court in New York, where they’re pushing for a jury trial.
A hefty 163-page lawsuit, accessed by BBC Sport, paints a picture of a sport where professional tennis players find themselves in a “rigged game”, with little control over their careers and personal brands. The lawsuit calls out issues with the scheduling, ranking systems, and how image rights are handled.
Joining the PTPA in this legal battle are 12 players, including Djokovic’s partner in founding the association, Vasek Pospisil, and the outspoken Nick Kyrgios. According to the PTPA, their actions represent the interests of all players on tour as they strive to shift power away from the governing bodies.
However, not everyone sees eye to eye with the PTPA. The ATP Tour, which oversees men’s tennis, has come out firmly against these claims, deeming them baseless and promising a strong defense. In a statement, they accused the PTPA of sowing division and spreading misinformation rather than working toward progress, reaffirming their commitment to the sport’s integrity.
The WTA, representing the women’s tour, echoed similar sentiments, labeling the PTPA’s legal action as “regrettable and misguided.” They expressed concern that these legal distractions would detract from their core mission, ultimately harming their players and the sport.
As this unfolds, the tennis world watches closely, anticipating the impact this legal battle might have on the balance of power within the sport.
