The player advocacy organization founded by professional tennis players has initiated a lawsuit against the governing bodies of the sport, escalating its efforts to secure better rights for players.
The six-year-old Professional Tennis Players Association, which has faced challenges in effecting change from outside the system, is now taking legal action against the ATP Tour, WTA Tour, the International Tennis Federation, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency. The 163-page complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, includes 12 current and former players as plaintiffs.
The lawsuit alleges that the governing bodies have systematically restricted competition, manipulated prize-money structures, and imposed ranking systems that prevent players from exploring alternative earnings opportunities. It further accuses the integrity agency of violating player rights through invasive anti-doping and anti-corruption policies.
A statement announcing the lawsuit describes the legal action as a necessary response following years of unsuccessful attempts to drive reform. The complaint exposes systemic issues, anti-competitive practices, and a disregard for player welfare that have persisted for decades.
The lawsuit argues that the governing bodies function as a cartel, enforcing an economic system that keeps players’ earnings artificially low. An example cited in the lawsuit describes a situation at Indian Wells, where a tournament owner was prevented from increasing prize money due to regulations imposed by the ATP and WTA. The plaintiffs contend that this system prevents tournaments from competing for talent and forces players into restrictive contracts.
A key contention is the ranking system, which requires players to earn points exclusively through ATP- and WTA-sanctioned events. The lawsuit claims this structure forces players into an unsustainable schedule of 45 weeks per year, with non-compete clauses and fines imposed for participation in alternative tournaments.
Beyond financial concerns, the lawsuit raises issues related to player welfare. The governing bodies have allegedly disregarded player health by scheduling matches in extreme conditions, including excessive heat and late-night play, with recent incidents at major tournaments serving as evidence of these risks.
The organization behind the lawsuit argues that professional tennis operates under a flawed system that exploits players, limits their financial opportunities, and threatens their well-being. By taking legal action, the plaintiffs seek to challenge these longstanding practices and push for meaningful reforms in the sport.
