Novak Djokovic's PTPA - the association that represents players - has just announced the entry into force of the Athlete Counsel & Equity (ACE) program.
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The measure that has come into force, co-founded by Tara Moore (athlete of the WTATour), will provide professional tennis players with legal support to those who will have to face complex challenges related to anti-doping and anti-corruption issues. The prestigious firms that have joined are King & Spalding LLP and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.
"The PTPA's ACE program is the first of its kind in tennis, providing equal access to high-level legal expertise, regardless of a player's financial situation and personal resources. We will therefore seek to help those in need 'at zero cost', with the aim of restoring equity and ensuring that everyone can defend themselves in the most equitable way possible," reads the statement.
This is very interesting action after the controversy that emerged in the cases that mainly involved Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.
The program is inspired by the experiences of Tara Moore, who was cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport of an anti-doping violation in December 2023 after a grueling 19-month battle and a provisional suspension. During this time, the PTPA worked closely with Moore and her legal team.
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"All players have the right to due process; financial constraints or lack of resources should never get in the way of their rights. The fight to prove my innocence has left me with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and enormous emotional pain. My hope is that the ACE program and these incredible legal teams will ensure that no player has to face these challenges alone," she said.
