Novak Djokovic’s co-founded PTPA announces first executive committee consisting of Paula Badosa, Hubert Hurkacz, and John Isner

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA shared the news on social media about the members of its newly-formed Executive Committee.


Novak Djokovic’s co-founded PTPA announces first executive committee consisting of Paula Badosa, Hubert Hurkacz, and John Isner

PTPA Executive Committee (Image Credit: Twitter)

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) is an association of tennis players which consists of both male and female tennis players which are ranked in Top 500 in singles and Top 200 in the ATP and WTA rankings. This idea as a group was floated by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil four years ago in 2019 as a body with the goal of “create transparency and fairness throughout decision-making in professional tennis”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Many top male and female tennis players are now associated with this organization. In its latest social media post, PTPA informed about its offical principles. It also gave information about appointments as members of its Executive Committee. The PTPA Player Executive Committee includes prominent names in the tennis world such as Paula Badosa, Novak Djokovic, John Isner, Vasek Pospisil, Ons Jabeur, Hubert Hurkacz, Saisai Zheng, Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

It is hoped that this new organization can act as a game-changer and a catalyst for new and exciting things to come in tennis sport in the future.

Related: “A national embarrassment,” Nick Kyrgios openly mocks critics after practice session with Novak Djokovic sells out

ADVERTISEMENT

Why is PTPA formed?

The Professional Tennis Players Association (Image Credit: PR NewsWire)
The Professional Tennis Players Association (Image Credit: PR NewsWire)

The PTPA is a parallel body to both ATP and WTA. Guilding principles include:

  • Take collective action and advocate on behalf of tennis players globally
  • Obtain players’ fair share of the business of tennis and terms of participation
  • Optimize and rigorously protect tennis players’ rights
  • Safeguard tennis players’ welfare and protect players from abuse
  • Advocate for, and contribute to, the best vision and structure of tennis globally

This organization was formed as players were disappointed with the functioning of the ATP and WTA. They wanted a new organization which could represent the interests of players better. Also, the players also wanted better remuneration, more prize money and more say in the organization of tennis tournaments.

“This organization was founded on the belief that every player must be respected, protected and guaranteed their rights, and the PTPA Principles will serve as our compass to ensure we live up to those standards. The PTPA will thrive only through collective voice and the strength and solidarity of the players. We are prepared to face both the challenges and opportunities ahead to advance the rights of all players,” said Pospisil.

However, not everybody is on the same page. Legends such as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer opposed this idea and are not part of this organization.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It is time for unity, not for separation,” the Spaniard wrote on Twitter at the time of this player’s organization’s formation.

Andy Murray and Andy Roddick, though not against the formation of such an organization, but has shared their reservations. Meanwhile, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi was critical of PTPA.

“You have what other athletes in other sports would strive for — a seat at the boardroom table. That is what players fought for in the creation of the ATP Tour…It makes no sense why you would be better served by shifting your role from the inside to the outside of the governance structure,” he had said.

Incase you missed it:

ADVERTISEMENT

Serena Williams finally practices her “much wanted” religious practice after retirement from tennis

“I’d definitely go back to Shenyang,” Emma Raducanu hoping to visit China soon