The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has launched a legal offensive against tennis’ ruling bodies, accusing them of “anti-competitive tactics and a shameless neglect of player well-being.” The union filed a 146-page lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in New York, demanding a jury trial. The document, reviewed by BBC Sport, claims players are trapped in a “rigged game,” stripped of control over their careers and personal brands.
The PTPA’s grievances target the grueling schedule, opaque ranking systems, and restrictive image rights policies. Representing the broader player community, the suit names Djokovic, fellow founder Vasek Pospisil, Nick Kyrgios, and nine others as plaintiffs. Formed in 2020, the PTPA aims to shift power from the sport’s overlords—the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA—to the athletes themselves. Beyond dismantling what it calls a “monopolistic stranglehold,” the lawsuit seeks hefty financial damages.
The group isn’t stopping at U.S. courts—legal actions are also underway in the UK and EU to challenge the “unrestrained dominance” of tennis’ governing bodies. PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar didn’t mince words: “Tennis is broken,” he told the BBC in October, signaling their readiness for this fight. “Beneath the shiny facade these organizations peddle, players are exploited—their talent milked, earnings capped, and health trashed. We’ve tried talking reform; they’ve forced our hand. This isn’t about chaos—it’s about saving tennis for players and fans down the line.” The ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA have been approached by BBC Sport for their response.
