“One thing I would like to see….” Aryna Sabalenka makes feelings clear about Novak Djokovic-led PTPA’s shocking lawsuit against tennis bodies

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka agreed with one change in the tennis system that the PTPA demanded in their lawsuit.

“One thing I would like to see….” Aryna Sabalenka makes feelings clear about Novak Djokovic-led PTPA’s shocking lawsuit against tennis bodies

Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/We Are Tennis, Univers Tennis)

Players from both the WTA and ATP tour have been asked to comment on the class-action lawsuit filed by the Novak Djokovic-backed Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). WTA World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka too explained what she thinks about the entire controversy.

The PTPA, on Tuesday (March 18) sued the tennis governing bodies due to certain rules and regulations that they believe are deteriorating players’ well-being, such as the hectic calendar that forces players to be on the tour for 11 months. They censured the ranking system, the control over image rights, and the ITIA’s “invasive searches of personal devices”.

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The players’ union also raised the issue of the prize money that players receive from the revenues generated at the tournaments, particularly the Grand Slam events. They have accused tennis bodies of restricting the prize money by interfering with the tournaments.

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Sabalenka, when asked to comment on it, said she doesn’t have knowledge about the entire information as she was rather focusing on her tennis. The Belarusian ace, however, agrees with the prize money problem raised by the PTPA.

One thing I would like to see is maybe not just WTA players, but all players, receive a larger percentage of the money they earn at tournaments and Grand Slams, especially. I think it’s fair. If you look at other sports, the percentage works a little differently, so I think that’s the only wish I have.

Aryna Sabalenka said at the Miami press conference

Aryna Sabalenka has no complaints about her season

Aryna Sabalenka kick-started her Miami Open campaign in an emphatic fashion. On Thursday (March 20), she needed only 58 minutes to go past Viktoriya Tomova with scores of 6-3, 6-0.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (via WTA/X)

Following her win, the 26-year-old reflected on her season. Sabalenka, who is now 18-4 this year, and has reached three finals. She started the season by winning the Brisbane International and was close to becoming a three-time champion at the Australian Open.

But Madison Keys spoiled that dream as she upset Sabalenka in three sets in the final to win her first Grand Slam title. The heartbreaking defeat affected her performance in the Middle East Swing as she suffered early exits in Doha and Dubai, following which, Sabalenka made it to the Indian Wells final but Mirra Andreeva prevailed over her to claim her second back-to-back WTA 1000 title.

I cannot complain about my season. Of course, I lost two biggest finals. But it’s only a lesson, not that big of a loss, to be honest. I feel like my tennis is getting better every day. Of course Miami, there is only one thing everyone wants here is to win the title. I really hope I can play same way I played at Indian Wells and improve in the finals.

Aryna Sabalenka told reporters

It was Sabalenka’s second singles final in the California desert following the 2023 season when Elena Rybakina came out on top. Sabalenka won the Indian Wells in doubles along with Elise Mertens in 2019.

Aryna Sabalenka to play Elena-Gabriela Ruse next

Sabalenka has set up the third-round clash with Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Sabalenka will meet the Romanian ace for the first time in her career.

Aryna Sabalenka (4)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via WTA/X)

Ruse went past Mirjam Bjorklund and Ena Shibahara in the qualifying rounds. She then knocked out Polina Kudermetova and Magdalena Frech to progress into the third round.

The three-time Grand Slam champion, also the winner of seven WTA 1000 titles, has never lifted the title at Miami Gardens. She has made five appearances in the tournament and produced her best when she reached the quarterfinals in 2021 and 2023.