By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis Now| Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Photo credit: ATP
Game On!
In a startling move, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has launched a revolutionary lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, and ITF.
READ MORE: Djokovic’s PTPA Takes Legal Action Against Tennis Governing Bodies
Now, the ATP is responding forcefully.
In their statement, the ATP categorically dismissed the PTPA’s allegations of corruption as “entirely unfounded,” criticizing the PTPA for its methods that they claim create “division and distraction” rather than fostering unity and progress.
“While ATP has continually focused on reforms that benefit players across all levels, the PTPA has opted for division through misinformation rather than constructive dialogue,” the statement reads. “Five years since its founding in 2020, the PTPA has struggled to carve out a significant place in the tennis community. Thus, its decision to initiate legal proceedings at this time is not surprising.
“We firmly reject the basis of the PTPA’s claims, assert that this case lacks validity, and will mount a vigorous defense. ATP is committed to promoting the best interests of tennis—fostering growth, financial stability, and securing a promising future for our players, tournaments, and fans.”
Under the leadership of Novak Djokovic, investment mogul Bill Ackman, and Canadian star Vasek Pospisil, the PTPA filed its suit in the New York Federal Court alongside actions in the UK and EU.
This lawsuit alleges that the ATP, WTA, and International Tennis Federation (ITF) are engaged in corrupt practices that hinder players’ financial opportunities and restrict their professional growth.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝘅 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀.Today, the PTPA, along with over a dozen players, filed a comprehensive set of legal actions against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA to advocate for essential reforms in professional tennis. https://t.co/1r4LWQpopP
— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) March 18, 2025
Established in 2019, the PTPA is dedicated to ensuring players receive equitable prize money across various tournaments, as dictated by ATP and WTA regulations.
In recent statements, Djokovic emphasized that although the PTPA hasn’t been formally accepted by the ATP, WTA, or Grand Slams, it is gaining momentum and securing financial support, emphasizing, “It must endure.”
“We anticipate a multitude of legal challenges ahead,” Djokovic remarked in a prior interview. “Thus far, we have managed to navigate these hurdles, and we are assembling a strong advisory group to support our mission, including tennis professionals who will help integrate our association within the tennis ecosystem. This is crucial, especially since we’ve not been formally acknowledged by the Grand Slams, ATP, or WTA, which complicates our path forward.”
According to Djokovic, the PTPA’s existence is critical as it grants players a voice in the processes that govern their sport. “It needs to be part of the landscape because players currently lack full representation in the tennis world,” Djokovic stated. “With the establishment of this association, they can secure better representation. I hope more players recognize the value of what the PTPA offers.”
“This journey will take time, particularly given our lack of credibility with existing governing bodies, but we are committed to creating a lasting presence for decades to come.”
