The Professional Tennis Players Associations (PTPA) took the groundbreaking legal action against tenniss governing bodies ahead of Miami. Novak Djokovic, a long-time advocate for players' rights, weighed in on the move from the organization he co-foundedwith other players.
While the Serbian legend acknowledgedthe lawsuits intent, he also expressed some reservations about the letter. Djokovic questioned some of the wording, calling them quite strong. However, he let the legal team doing their job.
Novak highlighted that he never wanted to make divisions in his beloved sport but to fight to make it better for the players themselves.The PTPAs legal action, filed in the U.S., UK, and EU, targets the ATP, WTA, ITFand ITIA, accusing them of monopolistic control, financial exploitationand unfair labor practices.
The lawsuits argue that professional tennis is structured in a way that prioritizes the governing bodies' financial interests. On the other hand, they aresystematically suppressing players' earnings, limiting their autonomyand exposing them to grueling conditions.
Djokovic, who co-founded the PTPA in 2020, has always championed better representation for players.One of the lawsuits central claims is that players receive only 17% of the sports revenue, significantly less than athletes in other professional sports.
The Serb highlighted that as one of the main reasons for their efforts to change things, although it's not the only one.With over 250 male and female players backing the movement, the PTPA's legal battle marks a pivotal moment in professional tennis.
"To be quite honest with you, there are things that I agree with in the lawsuit, and there are also things that I do not support. I found that maybe some wording was quite strong in there.
However, the legal team knows what they are doing and what kind of terminology they are supposed to use in order to get the right effect. I have never been a fan and supporter of division in our sport.
Still, I have always fought for better representation and influence, and positioning of the players globally in our sport. I think it's still not where most of the players and I think it should be. Not just in terms of prize money but in terms of many other points that have been also stated in that document," Novak Djokovic said.
