Donald Trump Could Mediate in Tennis Civil War After Djokovic-Founded PTPA Files Lawsuit
Donald Trump could step in to resolve growing tensions in professional tennis after the Novak Djokovic-founded Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) launched a lawsuit against four major governing bodies—the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA.
The lawsuit, backed by a group of players including Nick Kyrgios, accuses the organizations of operating as a “cartel” and enforcing “draconian, anticompetitive restraints and abusive practices.” Given Trump’s previous involvement in brokering a resolution between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, there is speculation that he could take a similar role in the tennis dispute.
Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Influence
American billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a known tennis enthusiast and early financial supporter of the PTPA, has voiced strong backing for the lawsuit. Ackman, who recently endorsed Trump in the U.S. presidential race, has close ties to the former president and could encourage him to mediate between the warring factions in tennis.
On social media, Ackman praised the PTPA’s legal action, claiming it would bring “revolutionary change” to the sport.
“These lawsuits and the resulting judicial outcomes will revolutionize tennis for the players and create much greater opportunities for the most talented—regardless of their socioeconomic background—to make a living from the game,” Ackman tweeted.
He also criticized the current governing bodies, stating:
“As an active market participant and investor in the rough and tumble corporate world, I have never seen such abusive and anticompetitive activities and behavior. This corruption and abuse have been allowed to metastasize in tennis because of the power dynamics of the sport.”
Trump’s Potential Role in Tennis Dispute
Trump has already leveraged his presidency to negotiate between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, making him a potential figure to mediate the dispute in tennis. With Ackman’s involvement and Trump’s history of intervening in high-profile sports conflicts, the possibility of his influence in resolving the tennis civil war is gaining traction.
