Novak Djokovic has recently highlighted significant disparities in prize money distribution within professional tennis, emphasizing the need for a more equitable system. He expressed support for Nick Kyrgios’ criticism of the sport’s financial structure, noting that players often receive a smaller share of revenue compared to athletes in major American sports.
Djokovic pointed out that the current system, where players hold only 50% of the decision-making power within the ATP, leads to conflicts of interest between players and tournament organizers. He stressed the importance of stronger player representation to address these issues effectively.
In response to Kyrgios’ concerns about the financial challenges faced by lower-ranked players, Djokovic acknowledged the difficulties of traveling and competing without adequate financial support. He emphasized that the disparity in earnings between tennis players and athletes in other sports is “way lower” in tennis, underscoring the need for systemic change.
These discussions reflect a broader conversation about the financial sustainability of professional tennis and the well-being of its players. The formation of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) by Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020 underscores the ongoing efforts to address these concerns and advocate for fairer compensation and representation for players.
