Andy Murray’s ex-coach takes dig at Novak Djokovic-backed PTPA’s ‘tennis is broken’ claim after Miami Open

The PTPA, which was founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020, shockingly sued the tennis governing bodies.

Andy Murray’s ex-coach takes dig at Novak Djokovic-backed PTPA’s ‘tennis is broken’ claim after Miami Open

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Novak Djokovic-backed Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) stirred controversy in the tennis world. They, along with 12 current and former players, filed a class-action lawsuit against ATP, WTA, ITF, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) last month.

They have accused the tennis governing bodies of not taking care of the players’ well-being, citing the “unsustainable” schedule which forces players to be on the move for 11 months. The players union censured the constant ball change in the tournaments, the rankings system, control over image rights, and the prize money that they pay to the players.

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They think the governing bodies are restricting tournaments from paying more to the players. The PTPA also slammed them for the small percentage of the revenue that goes to players’ accounts.

PTPA’s executive director, Ahmad Nassar, boldly claimed that “tennis is broken” and players are “trapped in an unfair system that exploits their talent” and affects their health. Andy Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey, however, is of a different opinion as he expressed why he thinks it so following the conclusion of the Sunshine Double.

Attendance in IW – 504 268 Attendance in Miami – 405,448. Both records. Can it be better – yes Doesn’t seem broken.

Mark Petchey wrote on X

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Petchey is now coaching World No.48 Emma Raducanu who, for the first time since the 2021 US Open, won four consecutive matches in a tournament (at the Miami Open). She lost to eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals.

Andy Murray doesn’t think tennis is broken

Andy Murray watched the Miami Open first-round match between Joao Fonseca and Learner Tien, the two finalists of the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals. Fonseca came from a set down to knock out the home favorite.

Andy Murray
Andy Murray (Image via X/Wimbledon)

But what amazed Murray the most was the fans creating a lively atmosphere inside Stadium. Murray suggested that such an atmosphere is only possible because tennis is not broken.

What an incredible atmosphere Fonseca and Tien are amazing talents! Tennis isn’t broken after all.

Andy Murray wrote on X

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Fonseca was defeated by 10th seed Alex de Minaur in the third round. Murray, who called time on his career at the 2024 Paris Olympics and joined Novak Djokovic‘s entourage, guided the Serb to the final. The 24-time Grand Slam champion fell to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in straight sets.

Djokovic, who founded the PTPA in 2020 along with Vasek Pospisil, was not a part of the lawsuit. Even he too disagreed with certain parts of the lawsuit and found some words quite “strong“.

Ben Rothenberg reveals WTA players’ response about PTPA

The Charleston Open is underway in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Ahead of the tournament, tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg asked a few players whether they were ever approached by the PTPA for their lawsuit.

Ahmad Nassar 
Ahmad Nassar (Image via PTPA website)

Asked a bunch of players during pre-tournament media here in Charleston if they’d had contact with the PTPA about what they’re doing… Anisimova: No Bencic: No Keys: No Pegula: No Zheng Qinwen: No 0-for-5. Preliminary census results here and Miami haven’t been auspicious.

Ben Rothenberg wrote on X

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The PTPA has claimed that their lawsuit was backed by many top 250 players, including some from the top 20 in Men’s and Women’s tennis. But when the top players were asked in the press conference, they denied having any idea of what PTPA were doing.

Carlos Alcaraz said he didn’t support the lawsuit. Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek also shared similar responses; though these players also agree with certain issues raised by the PTPA such as the prize money and schedule problems.