PTPA initiates legal action against tennis’ governing bodies

Three of the four organisations targeted have issued statements in response

Novak Djokovic AO 2025 @Julien Nouet/Tennis Majors

March 19, 2025

The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) has begun legal action against several of tennis’ leading governing bodies – namely, the ATP, WTA, ITF and the ITIA.

The PTPA has broughts its case before the United States District Court in New York, in London and in Brussels, and is seeking a jury trial, citing “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare”.

The complaint is being brought by the PTPA and 12 other players – including Novak Djokovic, his co-founder Vasek Pospisil and Nick Kyrgios – “on behalf of the entire player population”.

The PTPA was formed in 2020 by Djokovic and Pospisil as a means to better represent the interests of the players in response to a view that the governing bodies of tennis prioritise their own interests above that of the welfare and financial backing of the players.

The lawsuit criticises the schedule, ranking systems and control over image rights, as well as seeking what is referred to as an end to “monopolistic control” of the tennis tour.

The PTPA also demands financial compensation from the four governing bodies in question.

“Tennis is broken,” said Ahmad Nassar, the Executive Director of the PTPA.

“Behind the glamorous veneer that the defendants promote, players are trapped in an unfair system that exploits their talent, suppresses their earnings, and jeopardises their health and safety.

“We have exhausted all options for reform through dialogue, and the governing bodies have left us no choice but to seek accountability through the courts.

“Fixing these systemic failures isn’t about disrupting tennis – it’s about saving it for the generations of players and fans to come.”

ATP, WTA and ITIA RESPOND

Three of the four organisations targeted by the PTPA’s lawsuit have issued statements in response, with just the ITF yet to address the matter.

ATP statement

“Since the inception of the ATP Tour in 1990, ATP has played a leading role in the global growth of men’s professional tennis. Throughout more than three decades, ATP’s 50-50 governance structure has ensured that players and tournaments have an equal voice in shaping the sport’s direction at the highest level,” it said.

“Recent years have brought about transformative changes for players. The introduction of a prize money formula, record-setting on-site prize money, and new and expanded Bonus Pools have contributed to a major increase in player compensation (up $70 million in the past five years). The introduction of annual, independent audits has given players full transparency over tournament financials at ATP events. ATP’s Baseline programme has introduced minimum guaranteed income for the Top 250-ranked singles players, providing unprecedented financial security in professional tennis.

“Contributions to the player pension fund have surged, while prize money at ATP Challenger Tour events has more than doubled – reinforcing ATP’s commitment to strengthening the player pathway.

“These advancements have been achieved through ATP’s governance structure, with every key decision made with player input and by their elected representatives. Meanwhile, players – as independent contractors – have retained extensive control over their schedules, allowing them the flexibility to compete, train, and monetise their careers as they see fit.

“While ATP has remained focused on delivering reforms that benefit players at multiple levels, the PTPA has consistently chosen division and distraction through misinformation over progress. Five years on from its inception in 2020, the PTPA has struggled to establish a meaningful role in tennis, making its decision to pursue legal action at this juncture unsurprising.

“We strongly reject the premise of the PTPA’s claims, believe the case to be entirely without merit, and will vigorously defend our position. ATP remains committed to working in the best interests of the game – towards continued growth, financial stability, and the best possible future for our players, tournaments, and fans.”

WTA statement

“The PTPA’s action is both regrettable and misguided, and we will defend our position vigorously in due course,” the WTA said.

“The WTA is a nonprofit, membership organization that exists to advance women’s tennis on behalf of players, tournaments and fans. WTA players, as equal members alongside tournaments, have an essential and influential voice in the governance of the WTA. Every decision taken at the WTA Board level includes the input of players via their elected Board representatives, and athletes receive substantial financial rewards and other benefits from participation in the WTA.

“It is this governance model, supported by generations of athletes, that has allowed the WTA to achieve considerable progress on behalf of our players. Among many examples, in recent years we have committed to a $400 million increase in player compensation, set out a pathway to pay equality at our major WTA events, secured new investment to fuel the long-term growth of the sport, and launched the first comprehensive maternity benefits for independent, self-employed athletes in the history of women’s sports.

“The WTA is fully committed to continuing to develop and evolve the structure and operations of professional women’s tennis, listening closely as always to the views of our players. Contesting this baseless legal case will divert time, attention and resources from our core mission to the detriment of our players and the sport as a whole.”

ITIA statement

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency notes the PTPA’s proposed action against tennis’ governing bodies, including the ITIA,” it said.

“Credible international sport requires robust anti-doping and anti-corruption programmes, and we are proud of our role in contributing to a clean and fair sport.

“The ITIA seeks to uphold the highest standards in our work, following best practice and appropriate rules throughout the management of cases, from intelligence gathering through to investigations and, where applicable, sanctions.

“For our part, we continue to welcome opportunities to engage with any and all members of the sport, including players, coaches, support staff, officials, and media, to build trust in tennis’ anti-doping and anti-corruption programmes.”