“What this man is doing?” Boris Becker strongly criticizes Novak Djokovic-backed PTPA’s legal action against tennis bodies

Boris Becker didn't find any logic behind PTPA's legal action against the governing bodies and doesn't think top players are supporting it.

“What this man is doing?” Boris Becker strongly criticizes Novak Djokovic-backed PTPA’s legal action against tennis bodies

Boris Becker (Image via X/Sportbible)

Novak Djokovic-backed Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has created quite a stir in the tennis world by taking legal action against ATP, WTA, ITF, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Boris Becker, who initially reacted to the news by writing, “Wow” on X, came down heavily on the players’ union during his podcast.

The PTPA complained about the hectic tennis schedule, control over image rights, and constant ball change that has often led to players’ injuries. They also want the governing bodies to improve the prize money and ranking system and accused the ITIA of invading players’ privacy. Becker, while censuring PTPA, slammed their executive director Ahmad Nassar.

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I have been in the tennis business for 40 years. If that man were to walk past me right now, I wouldn’t even recognize him. And he’s talking about my beloved sport, claiming that tennis is broken – really, what does this man think of himself?

Boris Becker said on Becker Petkovic podcast (H/T: Footboom)

The PTPA stated that many top 250 players, including the ones from the top 20 across ATP and WTA have backed their lawsuit. Becker claimed the top 10 players aren’t supporting them.

If the top ten players were to support this unanimously, then fine. But if I don’t have anyone on board, I can’t take it seriously. I simply don’t understand the foundation, the language, and the manner in which this is being presented.

Boris Becker added

Carlos Alcaraz right away declared that he didn’t support the lawsuit. Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff too had no idea about PTPA’s plans to sue the tennis bodies. Alexander Zverev, on the other hand, thinks the ATP rather tries to protect the players. All of these players, however, said that they agreed with certain parts of the lawsuit such as improvement in the prize money and the schedule.

Boris Becker reacts to fan support Joao Fonseca has been receiving

Boris Becker doesn’t have any problems with the way the Brazilian fans are supporting Joao Fonseca. Fonseca was up against Alex de Minaur in the third round but he couldn’t eke out a win.

Joao Fonseca (3)
Joao Fonseca (Image via X/Joao Fonseca Updates)

Stadium reverberated with cheers for Fonseca and on social media, some fans said they were not a fan of the raucous crowd showing no mercy to De Minaur. Becker made his feelings clear on the fan support the 18-year-old has been receiving.

Alexa, with all respect your absolutely wrong in your opinion! Tennis needs players who attract crowds and create atmosphere like we have seen when Fonseca is playing…it was not against de Minaur but for the young kid from Brasil …

Boris Becker wrote on X

Check out his post here:

De Minaur didn’t let the crowd affect him. After the match, the Aussie, who is set to lock horns with Matteo Berrettini next, said he knew what he would be expecting during his match against the teen sensation and prepared well for it.

Boris Becker reacts to Joao Fonseca receiving praise from Novak Djokovic

Joao Fonseca has created a ripple in the tennis world. After winning the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals title last year, he lifted his first tour-level title at the Argentina Open in February this year.

Joao Fonseca (2)
Joao Fonseca (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Novak Djokovic has time and again praised the youngster and recently called him a complete player. Boris Becker, when he came across Djokovic’s quote, wrote, “Word from the Goat” on X.

Check out his post here:

While Fonseca got knocked out of the Miami Open, Djokovic has inched closer to his 100th ATP title. The 24-time Grand Slam, who is chasing his seventh Miami Open, will face Lorenzo Musetti for the ninth time in his career in the fourth round.

He hasn’t yet won a trophy this season, last lifting an official title at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Serb has been playing in Miami for the first time since 2019 and last won the title in 2016.