“I don’t agree,” Novak Djokovic finally breaks silence on PTPA’s ‘classic lawsuit’ against tennis governing bodies

Novak Djokovic explained why he was not a part of the class-action lawsuit filed by the PTPA against ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA.

“I don’t agree,” Novak Djokovic finally breaks silence on PTPA’s ‘classic lawsuit’ against tennis governing bodies

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Jose Moron)

Novak Djokovic is in Miami, preparing to play his first match in the tournament for the first time since 2019. Ahead of his opening round match, Djokovic was asked to comment on the Professional Tennis Players’ Association’s (PTPA) shocking lawsuit against ATP, WTA, ITF, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

These tennis bodies were sued as PTPA demanded to change certain parts of the system which they believe is harming the players. The “unsustainable” schedule complaints were raised; there were complaints about the constant ball change which has often led to players injuring their wrists or shoulders. They also criticized the prize money and ranking systems, tennis bodies’ control over image rights, and accused the ITIA of “gross invasion of privacy“.

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As per the PTPA, many top 250 players, including the top 20 ones, supported them. Along with the PTPA, the named plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Nick Kyrgios, Vasek Pospisil, Reilly Opelka, Anastasia Rodionova, Nicole Melichar-Martinez, Saisai Zheng, Sorana Cirstea, Varvara Gracheva, John-Patrick Smith, Tennys Sandgren, Noah Rubin, and Aldila Sutjiadi.

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Previously, reports stated that Djokovic debated putting his name in the lawsuit. The Serb, who founded the PTPA in 2020 along with Pospisil, explained why he wasn’t part of the legal action.

In general, I felt I didn’t need to sign the letter because I want other players to step up. I’ve been very active in tennis politics.

Novak Djokovic told reporters

Djokovic didn’t shy away from revealing that there were certain aspects of the lawsuit which he didn’t agree with. He, however, didn’t reveal which issues raised by the PTPA he didn’t support.

This is a classic lawsuit, so lawyers to lawyers, type of situation. So, to be quite frank with you, there are things that I agree with in the lawsuit, and then there are also things that I don’t agree with. And I found that maybe some wording was quite strong in there, but I guess the legal team knows what they are doing and what kind of terminology they’re supposed to use in order to get the right effect.

Novak Djokovic added

Alex Corretja comments on Novak Djokovic’s poor run of forms

Novak Djokovic suffered three consecutive defeats for the first time since 2018 and for the second time since 2008. After a hamstring injury ended his Australian Open campaign, the 24-time Grand Slam champion fell to Matteo Berrettini and Botic van de Zandschulp at the Qatar Open and Indian Wells, respectively.

Novak Djokovic (4)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/We Are Tennis)

Alex Corretja said when he reached the twilight of his career, even he too struggled during matches despite training and practicing well. He explained how age sometimes hinders players from giving their all in matches.

But it’s the same for everyone: somehow, you lose a little speed in your movements, you don’t hit the ball as hard, or maybe you’re a little behind the ball, or maybe things aren’t as clear in your head, and then you start losing matches that you weren’t losing before.

Alex Corretja told TNT Sports

Djokovic has yet to win a tour-level tournament since the 2023 ATP Finals. Last year, he clinched just the gold medal at the Paris Olympics by beating four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic to play Rinky Hijikata in Miami Open second round

Novak Djokovic, who received a bye at the Miami Open, will kick-start his campaign on Friday (March 21). He will lock horns with Rinky Hijikata, who went past Hamad Medjedovic in the previous round.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Giovanni Pelazzo)

Djokovic has met the Aussie once in his career. They locked horns in this year’s Brisbane Open round of 32, which the 37-year-old won in straight sets. Djokovic is a six-time Miami Open champion and last won the title in 2016.