Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic has expressed reservations about certain aspects of the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies, stating that while he supports the cause, he does not entirely agree with all its claims.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday by the PTPA, challenges key aspects of tennis governance, including scheduling, ranking systems, and image rights control. The association also criticizes the prize money structure set by the ATP and WTA Tours, calling the current 11-month season ‘unsustainable’ and raising concerns over invasive searches of players’ personal devices.
Additionally, the PTPA alleges that collusion between tours and tournament organizers restricts fair competition and artificially suppresses prize money. However, while Djokovic co-founded the PTPA in 2020 alongside Canadian player Vasek Pospisil, he was not among the 12 players named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
Speaking at the Miami Open on Thursday, Djokovic explained his decision to stay out of the legal battle.
“I felt like I didn’t need to sign the letter because I want other players to step up. I’ve been very active in tennis politics,” he said.
The Serbian superstar acknowledged that while he agrees with some aspects of the lawsuit, he found some of the wording ‘too strong’ but trusts the PTPA’s legal team to handle the matter appropriately.
“This is a classic lawsuit—lawyers to lawyers. There are things I agree with, and some I don’t,” he stated. “I found some of the wording quite strong, but I guess the legal team knows what they are doing and what kind of terminology they’re supposed to use to get the right effect.”
Read also: Carlos Alcaraz distances himself from Djokovic-led players’ union lawsuit
Despite the legal action, Djokovic insisted he does not want to create division in tennis.
“I’ve never supported division in our sport, but I have always fought for better player representation and influence,” he said. “It’s not just about prize money; there are many other issues outlined in the lawsuit that need to be addressed.”
Meanwhile, both the ATP and WTA Tours have defended their policies, emphasizing the financial security and prize money structure they provide for players.
Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three, also distanced himself from the lawsuit, revealing on Wednesday that he was unaware his name would be included in the PTPA’s legal action.
As the battle between the PTPA and tennis’ governing bodies intensifies, all eyes will be on how the sport navigates this new wave of player activism and legal confrontation.
