The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has launched legal actionagainst tennis’ governing bodies, accusing them of “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare”.
The PTPA has filed a 163-page lawsuit at the United States District Court in New York, where it is seeking a jury trial.
“A Rigged Game”: Players Demand Change
According to the lawsuit, which has been seen by BBC Sport, professional tennis players are “stuck in a rigged game”with limited control over their own careers and brands. The complaint criticises:
- The tournament schedule
- Ranking systems
- Control over image rights
The legal action is being brought by the PTPA and 12 players, including Djokovic, his co-founder Vasek Pospisil, and Nick Kyrgios, on behalf of the entire player population.
PTPA Seeks End to Governing Bodies’ “Monopolistic Control”
Formed in 2020, the PTPA aims to empower players and reduce the control exerted by governing bodies.
The lawsuit seeks:
- An end to the “monopolistic control” of professional tennis
- Financial compensation from the ATP (men’s tour), WTA (women’s tour), International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)
The PTPA has also initiated legal proceedings in the UK and the EU, challenging what it considers the “unchecked authority” of tennis’ governing bodies.
“Tennis is Broken”: PTPA Executive Director Speaks Out
Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the PTPA, stated:
“Tennis is broken. Behind the glamorous veneer that the defendants promote, players are trapped in an unfair system that exploits their talent, suppresses their earnings, and jeopardises their health and safety.
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.
Fixing these systemic failures isn’t about disrupting tennis – it’s about saving it for the generations of players and fans to come.”
