Why Alcaraz doesn't support Djokovic-led PTPA lawsuit against tennis bodies
What's the story
Four-time Grand Slam champion, Carlos Alcaraz has publicly distanced himself from a lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players's Association (PTPA), co-founded by Serbian star Novak Djokovic. The PTPA accused the ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA of mismanagement and creating an unequal system that exploits talent and limits player earnings. The association also alleged systematic failures in tennis development. Here are further details.
Player's position
Alcaraz's firm stance on PTPA lawsuit
When asked about the PTPA lawsuit at a Miami Open press conference, Alcaraz was clear about his stance. He said, "There are some things that I agree (with). There are some other things that I (don't) agree with." However, he stressed that he doesn't support the lawsuit. "But the main thing here is that I am not supporting that. So that's it."
Ignorance revealed
Alcaraz claims he was unaware of the lawsuit
Alcaraz went on to add that he only found out about the lawsuit via social media and not from any official source. "Honestly, it was surprising for me because nobody told me (anything) about it. So I just saw it on social media," he said. Notably, Alcaraz's name is mentioned in the PTPA lawsuit on page 71 under a section on poor scheduling.
Scheduling issues
PTPA lawsuit highlights concerns over player welfare
The PTPA lawsuit references Alcaraz's remarks from a Laver Cup press conference last year, where he slammed the Tours's schedule. He had said, "A lot of players (want) to play more — or even more...I'm the kind of player who (thinks) there is a lot of tournaments during the year, mandatory tournaments." Alcaraz had worried that this could potentially "kill us in some way."
Controversial investigations
PTPA lawsuit follows doping investigations
Notably, the PTPA lawsuit follows controversial doping investigations into Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Besides, the ATP and WTA have denied the allegations leveled in the lawsuit. Djokovic, along with other players, has openly criticized the investigations for their lack of transparency and inconsistency in punishments for similar doping incidents.
Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios supports PTPA's lawsuit
On the other hand, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, one of the plaintiffs in the suit, sees this legal action as a "special moment" for tennis. He feels it is high time players' voices are heard and that the group is determined to shape the future of the sport. Kyrgios was unhappy with current structures in tennis and said, "Things needed to change. It's a big day for tennis."