Jannik Sinner drops surprise announcement as Nick Kyrgios joins Novak Djokovic in tennis revolt
Jannik Sinner Set to Return at Hamburg Open After Controversial Doping Ban
Suspended World No.1 Jannik Sinner has confirmed his participation in the Hamburg Open, marking his debut at the tournament when his three-month doping ban ends in May. Meanwhile, a group of players, including Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, is taking legal action against tennis’ governing bodies, accusing them of anti-competitive practices and neglecting player welfare.
Sinner, a two-time Australian Open champion, faced backlash after competing and winning this year’s Melbourne Grand Slam while his doping case remained unresolved. The Italian reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in January, accepting a three-month suspension after securing his third major title.
The timing of Sinner’s ban has raised eyebrows, as it allows him to return just in time for the Rome Masters, his home tournament. Additionally, the suspension conveniently ensures he won’t miss a Grand Slam event, with the French Open beginning on May 25.
His ban officially ends on May 4, just days before the Italian Open. Now, Sinner has added another key clay-court event to his schedule, confirming his participation in the Hamburg Open, set to take place from May 18-24.
“For the first time in his career, Jannik Sinner will compete at the 2025 Hamburg Open,” tournament organizers announced on social media. After reaching the French Open semi-finals last year, Sinner hopes to improve on that result and keep his quest for a calendar-year Grand Slam alive. However, critics argue that his lenient suspension reflects preferential treatment for the World No.1.
Djokovic’s PTPA Takes Legal Action Against Tennis Governing Bodies
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic’s Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) has launched a legal battle against the ATP and WTA, challenging what it describes as their “monopolistic control” over the sport. The lawsuit also targets the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), accusing them of systemic abuse, anti-competitive behavior, and a disregard for player welfare.
Australian star Nick Kyrgios is among the 12 current and former players listed as plaintiffs in the case. According to a statement from the PTPA, the lawsuit highlights “draconian ranking systems, unsustainable schedules, financial exploitation, and suppression of competition,” all of which limit player earnings and career growth.
One of the key issues raised is the extreme playing conditions, particularly at the Australian Open, where matches often extend past midnight and take place in intense heat. The pay disparity between top-ranked players and those on the second-tier Challenger circuit is another major concern, with many lower-ranked players struggling to make a living.
Former Wimbledon doubles champion Vasek Pospisil, a co-founder of the PTPA, emphasized that the legal action goes beyond financial concerns, citing fairness, safety, and basic dignity as key priorities.
“I’m one of the more fortunate players, and I still had to sleep in my car when traveling to matches early in my career,” Pospisil said. “Imagine an NFL player being told to sleep in his car before a game. It’s absurd. No other major sport treats its athletes this way. The governing bodies force us into unfair contracts, impose inhumane schedules, and punish us for speaking out. This lawsuit is about fixing tennis for today’s players and future generations.”
The ATP swiftly responded, accusing the PTPA of creating “division and distraction” rather than playing a meaningful role in the sport.
“We strongly reject the premise of the PTPA’s claims, believe the case to be entirely without merit, and will vigorously defend our position,” the ATP said in a statement. “ATP remains committed to working in the best interests of the game—towards continued growth, financial stability, and the best possible future for players, tournaments, and fans.”
The WTA also dismissed the lawsuit, defending its efforts to grow women’s tennis and emphasizing that player representatives are involved in key decisions.
“Every decision at the WTA Board level includes input from players through their elected representatives. Athletes receive substantial financial rewards and other benefits from participation in the WTA,” the organization stated.
As the legal battle unfolds, the PTPA’s challenge could have significant implications for the future of professional tennis governance and player rights.
