Judge Bars ATP from Retaliating Against Players in Antitrust Lawsuit

A federal judge in New York has ruled that the ATP cannot retaliate against players who join or consider joining an antitrust lawsuit brought by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA. The court found that the ATP's recent actions—including circulating a letter for players to sign disavowing the lawsuit and pressuring top players—were potentially coercive and abusive. Judge Margaret Garnett ordered the ATP to notify players that they are legally protected from punishment or threats for participating in the litigation. This ruling is viewed as an early victory for the PTPA, which alleges that tennis governing bodies engage in restrictive and exploitative practices. The decision addresses widespread player concerns about possible retribution and loss of benefits for supporting the lawsuit, a fear that had deterred some from joining. The ATP has not yet commented publicly, while the PTPA sees the ruling as affirmation of players' rights.