Carlos Alcaraz does not back lawsuit by Novak Djokovic’s tennis players’ group
Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz expressed his dissent towards the ongoing class-action lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) against various tennis governing bodies. Alcaraz, currently ranked world No. 3, made it clear that he does not support the efforts of the players’ association founded by Novak Djokovic in their legal pursuit. During a pre-tournament news conference at the Miami Open where he is seeded second, Alcaraz stated, “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. So that’s it.”
The PTPA, voicing the concerns of over 250 athletes, initiated the lawsuit in New York, as well as in Brussels and London, accusing the key organizations in the sport, including the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), International Tennis Federation (ITF), and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) of acting as a “cartel.” Despite being quoted in the legal filing along with other players like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, Alcaraz conveyed his surprise at the lack of prior communication regarding his inclusion in the documentation.
Alcaraz was taken aback by the mention of his statement regarding the demanding schedule in professional tennis, where he had expressed concerns about the impact of back-to-back tournaments on players’ well-being. The lawsuit underscored issues such as the limitation on prize money offered in tournaments, restrictions on rival competitions, a rigid rankings system determining event entries, and criticized the operational approach of the International Tennis Integrity Agency as “arbitrary and selective.”
The legal dispute initiated by the PTPA against the major bodies overseeing tennis operations underscores the complex landscape within the sport and the diverging perspectives among the players themselves. The lawsuit aims to challenge the status quo and bring attention to the alleged anti-competitive practices and systemic issues plaguing the sport.
Despite being unwillingly drawn into the legal battle, Alcaraz’s stance reflects the diverse opinions within the tennis community regarding the need for reform and fair treatment of athletes. As the lawsuit unfolds, it will likely spark conversations and debates around governance, player representation, and the future direction of professional tennis.
