World number three Carlos Alcaraz has publicly stated his lack of support for the legal action being pursued by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), an organization co-founded by Novak Djokovic.
The PTPA filed papers on Tuesday, leveling criticism against the scheduling, ranking systems, and control over image rights by tennis’s governing bodies.
The lawsuit aims to dismantle what the PTPA describes as the “monopolistic control” exerted by the ATP (men’s tour), the WTA (women’s tour), the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The group is also seeking financial compensation from these organizations.
Alcaraz, speaking to reporters at the Miami Open, expressed surprise at the move. “It was surprising for me, because no one had told me about it,” the 21-year-old Spaniard said. While acknowledging that he agrees with some of the points raised, Alcaraz emphasized, “The main thing is I don’t support what was done.”
The ATP Tour has been critical of the PTPA’s actions, labeling them as “division and distraction.” Similarly, the WTA described the lawsuit as “regrettable and misguided.”
The complaint is being brought by the PTPA and a group of 12 players, including Djokovic’s co-founder Vasek Pospisil and Nick Kyrgios. The lawsuit claims to be acting “on behalf of the entire player population.”
One of the key points of contention in the lawsuit is the allegation that the governing bodies disregard player welfare.
Interestingly, the legal documents included a quote from Alcaraz himself, where he criticized the demanding tennis calendar last September.
However, Alcaraz clarified his position, stating, “Yesterday I saw on social media that they put something I said in a press conference in the documents and I wasn’t aware of it. I honestly don’t support that letter, because I wasn’t aware of it.”
Formed in 2020, the PTPA advocates for increased player control over the sport and a reduced role for the existing governing bodies. The organization contends that these bodies function as a “cartel” by establishing agreements with tournaments that limit prize money. They have also described the current ranking points system as “draconian.”
