Novak Djokovic’s Players Association files lawsuit against tennis governing bodies as they seek to reshape the sport
The Professional Tennis Players' Association believes that the ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA have become a cartel, suppressing the rights of players.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via X/We Are Tennis)
The Professional Tennis Players’ Association, co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has filed a legal suit against tennis governing bodies. The suit cited that the sport practices “a blatant disregard for player welfare”. The papers for the suit were filed at the United States District Court in New York.
The Players’ Association known as the PTPA was co-founded by Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020. Its mission was to increase the power of the players and reduce the governing control of the tennis governing bodies. It took a giant step in that order on Tuesday (March 18), when it filed a 163-page lawsuit criticizing tennis schedule, ranking system and control over image rights.
The body also aims to end the “monopolistic control” of the tennis tournament, as well as the financial compensation from the ATP and WTA, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). In addition, they labeled the governing bodies in tennis as a “cartel” which suppresses players’ wages and opportunities.
In a press release by the PTPA Executive Director, Ahmad Nassar, he heavily criticized the governing body system, adding it has exhausted all means of reforms and are left with no choice but to go to court.
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.
Ahmad Nassar said via PTPA
In recent months, players have complained about tennis schedule and unequal payments by the tennis governing bodies. But they are yet to be seriously listened to, as the tennis bodies have not made any move to do something about it.
What the PTPA is demanding for in the lawsuit
The PTPA believes that the governing bodies of the tournament have made strong agreements that cap prize money and prevent potential competitors from entering the sport. The Players’ Union also describes the current ranking system for the men’s and women’s circuit as draconian, as it effectively forces players to play tournaments just got reputation sake as a pro tennis player.
The suit alleges that the 11-month tennis calendar has become unsustainable. It added that players are forced to compete in excessive heat, ball changes regularly, and playing late at night, which is unhealthy for them. The body reckons that these have led to players suffering serious wrist, elbow, and elbow injuries.
PTPA says tennis players are treated the worst than in any other sport
In recent months, players have frequently complained that they received enough percentage of the revenue generated by the sport, especially the four major tournaments. Despite the increase in prize money each season, it comes down to a little percentage of what the governing bodies collect as share. According to the co-founder Vasek Pospisil, says fairness and players safety has to be paramount.
I’m one of the more fortunate players and I’ve still had to sleep in my car when traveling to matches early on in my career. Imagine an NFL player being told that he had to sleep in his car at an away game. It’s absurd and would never happen. No other major sport treats its athletes this way.
Vasek Pospisil said
The date for the hearing of the lawsuit is yet to be announced. Also, the governing bodies are yet to respond to the PTPA criticism.
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