By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, March 21, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
As the Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic surveys the realm of tennis, he envisions a troubling reality.
The former world No. 1 perceives a shift towards a tennis structure resembling a feudal system, wherein certain governing bodies and tournaments flourish, while many players find themselves sidelined and unable to compete financially.
In a pre-match press conference in Miami, ahead of his opening round against Rinky Hijikata, Djokovic provided his insight on the PTPA’s lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, and ITF.
Djokovic, an Olympic gold medalist, emphasized that a critical concern is the insufficient revenue share for players, especially those ranked lower. This issue has ultimately driven many aspiring athletes away, as they struggle to cover travel and coaching costs.
“Right now, not enough players are able to support themselves through this sport,” Djokovic stated in Miami. “While those at the top are making significant earnings, I’ve persisted in advocating for a fairer distribution of prize money to support grassroots levels.”
“We’ve seen many talented individuals exit the sport, particularly during the COVID pandemic due to financial hardships. I genuinely wonder how many players can claim that they make a living from pro tennis today?”
He estimates that merely 400 players earn a living on the professional Tours, a figure he finds unacceptable given tennis’s global popularity and lucrative betting markets.
“It’s probably around 400 players across singles and doubles, both men and women—far too few for a sport as global as tennis,” Djokovic remarked. “I aspire to see this number significantly increase. I’ve voiced this concern multiple times over the past few years.”
“Tennis ranks as one of the top three or four most popular sports worldwide, yet when it comes to maximizing its commercial potential, we find ourselves languishing in positions nine or ten. That signals enormous room for growth.”
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝘅 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀.
Today, the PTPA, representing over a dozen players, has initiated comprehensive legal actions against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA, aiming to reform pro tennis. https://t.co/1r4LWQpopP
— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) March 18, 2025
Established in 2019, the PTPA champions the cause for professional tennis athletes to gain greater agency in their careers, including sponsorships and off-court earning opportunities that they believe are excessively limited by their participation in ATP and WTA events.
With significant audiences and revenue at stake, one must question why players and governing bodies have yet to reach a consensus. Why has the PTPA opted for a high-profile lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, and ITF rather than a final attempt at dialogue?
Djokovic clarified his position, labeling the current ATP governance as a “monopoly.”
“A common ground where everyone benefits has been difficult to establish,” Djokovic asserted. “The existing monopoly has persisted for decades, making reform challenging, often leaving players with the short end of the stick.”
“It’s imperative for any athlete to voice their concerns on this issue. As I approach the twilight of my career, many have counted on me to speak out, and I welcome that responsibility.”
“I hope to inspire current leaders of tennis and future generations to lead with a comprehensive understanding of these pressing topics, which matter not only to them but also to all players they represent.”
In response, the ATP vehemently dismissed the PTPA’s allegations, branding them “entirely without merit” and criticized the organization for seeking attention through “division and distraction.”
“While the ATP continues to focus on reforms benefiting players across all levels, the PTPA has chosen to amplify division instead of real progress,” the ATP stated. “As the PTPA struggles to carve out a meaningful role in tennis after five years of existence, their choice to pursue legal action is not surprising.”
“We stand firmly against the PTPA’s accusations, believe their claims lack foundation, and will robustly defend our stance. The ATP remains committed to nurturing the sport’s growth, ensuring financial stability, and securing a prosperous future for our players, tournaments, and fans.”
Djokovic, who co-founded the PTPA with Vasek Pospisil, seeks to provide professional players with a stronger voice in the sport’s governance.
In recent discussions, Djokovic reiterated that the ATP Board’s operational structure is fundamentally flawed and fails to adequately represent player interests.
“The core issue is that players only possess 50% of the ATP structure,” Djokovic explained. “Conflicts of interest often emerge between tournaments and player agendas. Our perspectives don’t always align.”
“We are indeed part of the same ecosystem, and cooperation is essential, yet we frequently find ourselves in conflicting situations. We desire higher earnings, while tournaments might hesitate to increase prize money. The nuances of prize distribution require thorough examination and are not as straightforward as they may seem.”
