“I Don’t Need to Submit the Letter”: Novak Djokovic Explains His Absence from Tennis Legal Proceedings

Novak Djokovic is keen to prevent the antitrust lawsuit launched by the players’ association he co-founded from dividing the world of tennis, yet he emphasises that players deserve a larger share of revenue and greater influence within the sport.

During a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the Miami Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion clarified that he was not named as a plaintiff in the case filed on Tuesday in federal court in New York, alongside similar actions in Brussels and London, stating, “because I want other players to step up.”

“In general, I felt it wasn’t necessary for me to sign the letter since I want other players to take the initiative. I have been quite active in tennis politics,” he mentioned, reflecting on his long-standing involvement with the players’ council.

“I’ve tried to do my utmost throughout my career, especially during the times when I was playing the most matches and had limited time and energy.”

“However, I also feel it’s my duty, in my capacity, to leverage my influence to support players and fight for their rights, having been on tour for nearly 20 years now.”

“I’ve noticed some progress, but fundamental changes still need to be achieved, and I sincerely hope that all governing bodies, including the PTPA, will unite to address these matters.”

The lawsuit initiated by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) against both the ATP and WTA tours, the International Tennis Federation, and the sport’s integrity agency, claims that these organisations maintain “complete control over players’ pay and working conditions,” labelling them a “cartel.”

“I’ve never favoured or supported divisions within our sport, but I have consistently advocated for improved representation and greater influence and positioning of players on a global scale within tennis. I believe this aspect is still not where it ought to be,” Djokovic said, adding that this affects not just prize money but numerous other concerns highlighted in the lawsuit.

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The PTPA revealed that it has consulted with over 250 players—men and women—who have shown support for the class-action lawsuit.

Notable names attached to the US lawsuit include 2022 Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios, along with Sorana Cirstea, Varvara Gracheva, Reilly Opelka, Tennys Sandgren, and Nicole Melichar-Martinez.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, however, expressed his disapproval of the lawsuit during the Miami Open, stating he was unaware of being quoted in the filing. He mentioned he had not been informed of the lawsuit and did not agree with all the content presented by the attorneys.

Djokovic shared this viewpoint.

“I truly hope all governing bodies, including the PTPA, will convene to discuss these issues,” he stated. “This is a classic instance of lawyers engaging with their legal counterparts.”

“To be candid, there are aspects of the lawsuit I agree with, but there are also elements I disagree with,” Djokovic acknowledged.

“Some of the wording felt rather severe to me, but I trust the legal team knows what they’re doing and the terminology required to achieve their aims.”

Djokovic concluded: “Many people have consistently looked to me to address this issue, as I am doing now. I am more than willing to discuss it, but I would prefer to see current leaders within the tours and future generations step up. They need to recognise that these issues are critical not only for themselves but also for the players they represent.”

“Even if you’re not part of the PTPA or any other organisation representing players, as a top player, you’re still recognised and celebrated by countless professional tennis players worldwide. I personally believe there is a responsibility that comes with that recognition.”

“You must carry that weight, and always remember what it was like when you were in their position, grappling through the challenging early years of professional tennis.”