Players File Lawsuits Against ATP, WTA Over Systemic Abuse

The Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has filed lawsuits against the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), accusing them of anti-competitive practices and systemic abuse in professional tennis. The lawsuits, involving 22 players, claim that the governing bodies operate as a 'cartel' that exploits players, suppresses earnings, and jeopardizes their health and safety. Ahmad Nassar, the PTPA executive director, emphasized that after exhausting all options for reform through dialogue, they were left with no choice but to seek accountability in court. Notable plaintiffs include Vasek Pospisil, Nick Kyrgios, and Sorana Cirstea, who argue for improved player compensation and a fairer competition structure. The legal actions span multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union. As of now, the governing bodies have not publicly commented on the allegations.