The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has initiated a series of legal actions against major governing bodies in tennis, including the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA. The lawsuits, lodged in the Southern District of New York as well as in the European Union and the UK, assert that these organisations are monopolising men’s and women’s tennis while neglecting player welfare.
The extensive 163-page complaint alleges unfair practices surrounding prize money, rankings, scheduling, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation. Key players in the lawsuit include PTPA co-founder Vasek Pospisil and Australian player Nick Kyrgios, who, alongside others, is pushing for reforms through a jury trial.
Ahmad Nassar, the PTPA executive director, argues that the system favours the governing bodies at the expense of players, claiming it exploits their talents, suppresses earnings, and compromises their health and safety. He insists that various attempts at dialogue for reform have failed, leading them to pursue accountability through the courts, with the aim of preserving the sport for future generations.
In response, the ATP has categorically rejected the PTPA’s claims, asserting that the lawsuit is unfounded and emphasising its role in the growth of men’s tennis since the ATP Tour began in 1990. The ATP highlighted a significant increase in player earnings over the past five years and the introduction of a minimum guaranteed income for the top 250 players.
The WTA has likewise declared its intention to challenge the PTPA’s claims, labelling the lawsuit as misguided and reaffirming that WTA players have a substantial role in governance.
The PTPA contends that its actions are backed by a majority of the top 250 players, including many in the top 20 of both tours. They highlight concerns such as the harsh conditions players face, including competing in extreme heat and inadequate recovery time throughout the lengthy season. Additionally, the PTPA claims the governing bodies collude to limit prize money, hinder the entry of new competitors, and enforce a stringent ranking points system, resulting in players receiving only 17% of sports revenue, compared to the 35-50% seen in other sports.
Pospisil has voiced his frustrations, drawing a parallel to how athletes in other major sports are treated, and describing the current system as unacceptable. The PTPA is seeking a court ruling that the governing bodies have violated antitrust laws, alongside demands for restitution and changes to improve player welfare. Ultimately, this lawsuit is positioned not only as a financial issue but also one of fairness, safety, and dignity within the sport.