At a Miami Open press conference on Thursday, Novak Djokovic addressed the recent lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) against the sport’s governing bodies—the ATP, WTA, ITIA, and ITF. The lawsuit alleges that these organizations have established a cartel-like system, leading to inequality, reduced transparency, and a negative impact on player earnings.
Despite co-founding the PTPA in 2020, Djokovic surprised many by revealing that he does not completely agree with certain aspects of the lawsuit. The Serbian tennis star also pointed out that his signature was missing from the legal action, a detail that raised questions given his outspoken stance on tennis governance.
Djokovic Raises Concerns Over Lawsuit Language
Speaking on the matter, Djokovic described the lawsuit as a legal dispute between lawyers, emphasizing that while he supports some aspects, he disagrees with others.
“To be honest, there are parts of the lawsuit I agree with and others I don’t. Some of the wording seemed quite strong, but I assume the legal team understands what terminology is necessary to achieve the intended impact,” he stated.
PTPA’s Evolution and Djokovic’s Limited Influence
Since its formation, PTPA has expanded significantly, now employing around 30 full-time staff members. Djokovic clarified that, while he remains on the executive committee, he has no direct control or veto power over the organization’s decisions.
“I am part of the executive committee, but I don’t hold power or influence over their choices. They make independent decisions and move forward with various initiatives,” Djokovic explained.
Why Djokovic Did Not Sign the Lawsuit
Djokovic also addressed speculation about his missing signature from the lawsuit, explaining that he wanted other players to take on leadership roles.
“I didn’t feel the need to sign the letter. I’ve been very involved in tennis politics for years, and while I’ve done my best to support players and advocate for their rights, I also want others to step up,” he stated.
Alcaraz Opposes the PTPA Lawsuit
Interestingly, Carlos Alcaraz also distanced himself from the PTPA lawsuit, publicly stating that he does not support the legal action. However, the lawsuit includes quotes from Alcaraz’s past press conferences, a detail that has drawn further scrutiny.
Despite differing opinions, Djokovic expressed hope that tennis governing bodies and the PTPA would eventually find a way to work together for meaningful reforms in the sport.
