WTA Calls PTPAs Lawsuits Misguided and Regrettable

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has responded to the fact that the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), founded in 2020 by, among others, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, has filed lawsuits in various countries accusing the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA of various abuses.

«The actions of the PTPA are regrettable and misguided; we will firmly defend our position through the appropriate channels.

The WTA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting women’s tennis on behalf of players, tournaments, and fans. WTA players, alongside tournaments, have a significant and influential role in the governance of the WTA as equal members. Every decision made by the WTA Board considers the input of players through their elected representatives, and athletes receive substantial financial rewards and other benefits from their involvement with the WTA.

This governance model, supported by generations of athletes, has enabled the WTA to make significant strides on behalf of our players. For instance, we have committed to increasing player compensation by $400 million in recent years, outlined a path to achieve pay equality at our major WTA events, secured new investments for the long-term growth of the sport, and introduced comprehensive maternity benefits for independent athletes, a first in women’s sports.

The WTA remains fully dedicated to the continuous development and enhancement of the professionalism and functioning of women’s tennis, always attentively considering the perspectives of our players. Challenging this unfounded lawsuit would divert time, attention, and resources from our primary mission, to the detriment of our athletes and the sport as a whole,» stated the organization.