PTPA loses complainant in lawsuit against ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA for systemic abuse

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has lost a complainant in a lawsuit against tennis governing bodies. The PTPA, which was co-established by Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and 22 players, filed the complaint against ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on Tuesday on charges of anti-competitive business practices, monopolizing professional tennis, and systemic abuse.

The list of players who filed the complaint includes the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, Nick Kyrgios of Australia, America’s Reilly Opelka, current world number 76 Corentin Moutet, and 2014 Wimbledon doubles champion Vasek Pospisil.

According to the report, the players and the PTPA accused the WTA, ATP, ITF, and ITIA of working together as a ‘cartel’ to reduce competition and fix prize money. The report further stated that the suits have been filed in the United Kingdom (UK), European Union, and United States district courts.

There were 12 plaintiffs in the lawsuit, including Kyrgios and Opelka, but they have now lost one as Britain’s Jay Clarke decided to withdraw himself. The 26-year-old stated that he was not ‘fully aligned’ with the way the case had been approached.

"While I continue to stand by many of my comments and believe there is a need for greater support for players — particularly at the lower levels of the sport — I have decided to withdraw as a plaintiff," he said. "I do not fully align with the way the case has been approached, and at this stage in my career, it is important for me to focus entirely on my tennis without external distractions.”