The players’ union co-founded by Novak Djokovic has initiated legal action against tennis’ governing bodies, accusing them of “anti-competitive practices and blatant disregard for player welfare.”
The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court in New York, seeking a jury trial.
According to the 163-page complaint, reviewed by BBC Sport, “professional tennis players are stuck in a rigged game” that limits their control over their careers and personal brands. The lawsuit challenges the sport’s scheduling, ranking systems, and control over image rights.
The case has been brought by the PTPA alongside 12 players, including co-founder Vasek Pospisil and Nick Kyrgios. The association claims to be acting “on behalf of the entire player population.”
Founded in 2020, the PTPA aims to increase players’ influence while reducing the control exerted by tennis’ governing bodies.
The ATP Tour, which oversees men’s professional tennis, has rejected the lawsuit’s claims, calling the case “entirely without merit” and pledging to “vigorously defend” its position. In a statement, it accused the PTPA of promoting “division and distraction through misinformation” rather than progress, asserting that the ATP remains committed to the best interests of the sport.
The WTA, which governs the women’s tour, also intends to defend its stance, calling the legal action “regrettable and misguided.” It warned that fighting the lawsuit would divert resources away from supporting players and the broader game.
The lawsuit seeks to end what the PTPA describes as “monopolistic control” over the tennis tour and demands financial compensation from the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Additionally, the PTPA has launched legal proceedings in the UK and the EU, challenging what it perceives as the “unchecked authority” of tennis’ governing bodies.
“Tennis is broken,” said PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar, who previously indicated that legal action was a likely step.
“Behind the glamorous veneer promoted by the defendants, players are trapped in an unfair system that exploits their talent, suppresses their earnings, and jeopardizes their health and safety.
“We have exhausted all avenues 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 future generations of players and fans.”
The ITIA acknowledged the legal action, stating that it is “proud” of its efforts to maintain a fair and clean sport. The ITF has declined to comment at this stage.
