Aryna Sabalenka claims she hasn’t had time to analyze PTPA’s lawsuit against the tennis’ governing bodies but admits that she would like to see ATP and WTA players being compensated better.
This week, an absolute bombshell dropped after the PTPA – an association co-founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil – took legal action against the ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA. In their statement, the PTPA said that tennis players were stuck “in a rigged game” and couldn’t have full control of their own careers. Also, they took an exception with the schedule, rankings but also the money distributed to players.
Overall, the PTPA believes that players should have more power while the governing bodies’ control should be reduced.
Sabalenka addresses the PTPA lawsuit
“Honestly, I haven’t had much time to look for information because I didn’t want to delve into it since I was trying to focus on my tennis, and I didn’t want to get upset or anything about the situation,” the top-ranked WTA player explained.
“One thing I would like to see is maybe not just WTA players, but all players, receive a larger percentage of the money they earn at tournaments and Grand Slams, especially. I think it’s fair. If you look at other sports, the percentage works a little differently, so I think that’s the only wish I have.”
Shortly after the lawsuit news dropped, the ATP and WTA reacted. To no one’s surprise, both parties strongly rejected the PTPA’s accusations.
However, the ATP and WTA saying that they would “vigorously defend” their position shouldn’t come as a surprise, knowing it’s not a secret that neither of the two associations liked the PTPA since the Djokovic-backed organization was started in 2020.
For the past couple of years, players have been pretty critical of the tennis calendar – and that’s one PTPA claim that will probably be supported by the players. More or less, the same can be said for the money part.
Tennis World USA