Novak Djokovic, the co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players’ Association, including 12 players among those players are Vasek Pospisil and Nick Kyrgios, have filed papers at the United States District Court in New York over “ant-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare”.
The 163-page lawsuit aims to end “monopolistic control” of the tennis tour, as well as financial compensation from the ATP, the WTA, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The PTPA asserts that external governing bodies operate as a cartel, establishing restrictive agreements with tournaments that limit prize money and stifle competition.
The union criticised the ranking points system as excessively harsh, arguing that it coerces players into participating in their tournaments to establish credibility and reputation as professionals.
The men’s professional body, the ATP tour has denied the claims saying the case is “entirely without merit “and they will “vigorously defend “their position.
The ATP has released a statement telling the public they remain committed to working in the “best interest of the game “and the PTPA is spreading misinformation and has “consistently chosen division “.
The WTA also commented on the matter, saying it will defend its position, and the legal action is “both regrettable and misguided”.
Also adding, “Contesting this baseless legal case will divert time, attention, and resources from our core mission to the detriment of our players and the sport as a whole.”
The PTPA has already proceeded with legal action in the UK and the EU, and they want to put a stop to the unchecked authority of the sport’s governing bodies.
