By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, March 20, 2025
Photo credit: Robert Prange/Getty
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic is among several high-profile athletes backing the PTPA’s legal battles against the ATP, WTA, and ITF.
In contrast, Carlos Alcaraz has stepped back from endorsing the PTPA’s lawsuit.
LATEST: PTPA Takes Legal Stand Against ATP, WTA, ITF
During a press conference at the Miami Open, Alcaraz admitted he was unaware of the lawsuit prior to its announcement and does not support it.
“Honestly, it caught me off guard because I had no prior knowledge about it,” Alcaraz shared with reporters in Miami. “I only learned about it yesterday through social media…”
“I noticed some statements referencing my comments from a press conference, which was news to me. I am not in support of that letter. I do not endorse it since, as I mentioned, I was kept in the dark about it.”
Spearheaded by Novak Djokovic, investment mogul Bill Ackman, and Canadian tennis star Vasek Pospisil, the PTPA filed its lawsuit in the Federal Court of New York, as well as in the UK and EU on Tuesday.
The lawsuit accuses the ATP, WTA, and ITF of engaging in corrupt practices that hinder players’ earning potential and restrict their professional freedom.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝘅 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀.
Today, the PTPA, supported by more than a dozen players, initiated comprehensive legal steps against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA aiming for reform in professional tennis.
https://t.co/1r4LWQpopP
— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) March 18, 2025
Established in 2019, the PTPA advocates for higher prize money across various tournaments, challenging current WTA and ATP regulations.
Despite the PTPA not being formally recognized by the ATP, WTA, and Grand Slams, Djokovic emphasized its growing influence and financial backing is essential for its survival.
“There are many legal hurdles to navigate,” Djokovic remarked in a previous interview. “We have been overcoming these obstacles successfully and are building a solid team of advisors and financers, including individuals from the tennis community to support our growth, which is crucial given our lack of acceptance by the Grand Slams, ATP, and WTA.”
According to Djokovic, the importance of the PTPA lies in its mission to elevate players’ voices in discussions that shape the sport.
“It is essential for players to have representation, as they don’t currently possess full representation in the tennis realm,” Djokovic stated. “With this association, they will have that representation. We hope to encourage more players to realize the potential benefits that the PTPA can provide.”
The current champion of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Alcaraz expressed reservations regarding scheduling conflicts but reiterated his lack of support for the PTPA’s lawsuit.
“There are certain aspects I agree with, others I don’t. But ultimately, I want to clarify that I am not backing that lawsuit—plain and simple,” Alcaraz concluded.
