Tennis Players Association Sues Governing Bodies Over Anti-Competitive Practices

LONDON, March 18, 2025 — The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) has filed a lawsuit against the sport’s major governing bodies, including the ATP Tour and WTA Tour, alleging systemic anti-competitive practices and disregard for player welfare. The lawsuit aims to challenge what the PTPA claims is ‘monopolistic control’ of the sport that suppresses player earnings and opportunities.

Co-founded by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in 2019, the PTPA’s lawsuit was filed in New York City, London, and Brussels on March 18, 2025, and names the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) as co-defendants. The move comes after years of attempted negotiations for reform that the association argues were met with inadequate responses.

“Tennis is broken,” said Ahmad Nassar, PTPA’s executive director. “Players are trapped in an unfair system that exploits their talent and jeopardizes 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.”

The lawsuit claims that players, including Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios, and Vasek Pospisil, face economic restraints and unreasonable demands from the ATP and WTA Tours. The association asserts that the governing bodies engage in price-fixing and impose a restrictive ranking system that limits players’ ability to compete in alternative tournaments. As outlined in the filing, the PTPA argues that the governing bodies’ practices stifle fair competition and player earnings opportunities, particularly during high-stakes Grand Slam tournaments.

One of the key accusations involves the alleged refusal to lift caps on prize money, with the PTPA specifically citing the rejection of an initiative by billionaire Larry Ellison to increase the prize pool at the BNP Paribas Open in 2012. The lawsuit claims this decision exemplifies the suppression of market-based compensation for players.

“The rejection of Ellison’s proposal indicates that players earn less than they would in a competitive market,” the complaint states, referencing this as damaging to both players and tournaments seeking to attract top talent.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs allege that players are denied a fair share of the revenue generated by major tournaments. While athletes in professional U.S. leagues typically receive around 50% of revenue, tennis players reportedly only earn between 10% to 20% of the $1.5 billion generated by the Grand Slams in 2024.

Issues pertaining to player health and safety are also central to the lawsuit, with claims that players are compelled to compete under extreme weather conditions, including excessive heat at events like the Australian Open and late-night matches at the US Open. Nassar emphasized the need for reform regarding player welfare: “These systemic failures not only affect players but also the future of the sport.”

In response, the ATP and WTA have publicly rejected the PTPA’s claims, labeling them baseless and vowing to defend their positions vigorously. The ATP statement asserted, “We have chosen to put all our resources toward continued growth and stability for our players, tournaments, and fans.”

The ITF echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its mission as a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and sustainability of tennis globally.

As the lawsuit unfolds, type efforts from both sides to negotiate a resolution may take center stage, as the PTPA highlights the ongoing demand from players for fair compensation and treatment commensurate with their contributions to the sport. Djokovic’s absence as a named plaintiff was noted, as he aims to focus the action around collective rather than individual issues among players.

“Players don’t have the luxury of waiting indefinitely for meaningful change,” stated Cirstea, a co-plaintiff. “Current conditions are unsustainable, and we stand united in our fight for reform.”

The lawsuits represent a critical juncture in professional tennis, as both the PTPA’s grievances and the governing bodies’ responses will shape the landscape of the sport moving forward, potentially leading to significant change or further division among stakeholders.