Djokovic reveals why he declined legal action against tennis bodies
What's the story
24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic recently explained why he isn't a part of the legal action taken by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) against major tennis governing bodies.
The PTPA, a union co-founded by Djokovic and Canadian player Vasek Pospisil in 2020, has alleged anti-competitive practices against ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation, and International Tennis Integrity Agency.
The lawsuit was filed in a New York court on Tuesday.
Here are further details.
Personal stance
Djokovic supports players' rights but disagrees with some lawsuit aspects
Djokovic has opted not to directly join the lawsuit for personal and strategic reasons.
He voiced his support for players' rights but disagreed with certain aspects of the PTPA's legal action.
"In general, I felt I didn't need to sign the letter because I want other players to step up," Djokovic told reporters at the Miami Open.
"There are things that I agree with in the lawsuit, and then there are also things that I don't agree with," he added.
Legal action
Lawsuit challenges prize money distribution and ranking systems
The PTPA's lawsuit challenges ATP and WTA Tour's prize money distribution formula, ranking systems, and an "unsustainable" 11-month calendar that ignores player welfare.
ATP dismissed PTPA's allegations as "division and distraction," while WTA called the lawsuit "unfortunate and misguided."
Djokovic has been a vocal advocate for better player representation in tennis.
"I've never been a fan of division in our sport, but I've always fought for better representation and influence of and positioning of the players globally," he clarified.
Player reactions
Alcaraz and Kyrgios respond to PTPA lawsuit
World number three Carlos Alcaraz distanced himself from the PTPA lawsuit, admitting he was surprised to learn about it.
Meanwhile, Australian player Nick Kyrgios called it a "special moment" for players' voices to be heard.
Alcaraz said, "There are some things that I agree with. There are some other things that I don't agree with... But the main thing here is that I am not supporting that."
Allegations
PTPA's allegations against governing bodies
The PTPA has accused the governing bodies of functioning as a "cartel."
The union alleges that these organizations pay "artificially low compensation to professional tennis players" and impose a "draconian" ranking system that compels players to participate in certain tournaments.
The lawsuit also mentions an unsustainable schedule, extreme playing conditions, injury-inducing tennis balls, and violations of privacy rights through random drug tests.