The Professional Tennis Players’ Association, commonly known as the PTPA, is taking legal steps to stop the ATP Tour from having what they describe as “improper, coercive or threatening communications” with the athletes. According to the association, the ATP has been pressuring players to sign statements prepared ahead of time, indicating they were unaware of the PTPA’s recent legal move.
This union, famously co-founded by the legendary Novak Djokovic who has clinched 24 major titles, accused the ATP of “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare” in documents filed on Tuesday.
Although Djokovic’s name doesn’t appear as a plaintiff in these legal papers, he expressed his views at the Miami Open on Thursday. He mentioned aligning with certain aspects of the lawsuit, while differing on others. Djokovic remarked: “I’ve noticed some changes happening, yet there are key adjustments that still need attention. I sincerely hope every governing body, the PTPA included, collaborates to resolve these pressing issues.”
The PTPA is acting “on behalf of the entire player population” against several governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA Tours, the International Tennis Federation, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency, across the US, UK, and European Union.
Nick Kyrgios from Australia stands out as the most prominent player joining the PTPA in the lawsuit.
On Friday evening, the PTPA made a move in the United States District Court in New York. Their attorneys requested a directive from Judge Margaret Garnett to forbid all four defendants from discussing the lawsuit with any players involved. The PTPA’s motion accuses the ATP of threatening to slash prize money and pension contributions to cover the legal fees tied to this battle, claiming this to be “flagrant interference” with the court’s jurisdiction.
