Novak Djokovic's PTPA to fund players accused of doping: Details
What's the story
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by tennis champions Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, has promised to pay the legal fees of players accused of doping or corruption. The association, founded in 2019, represents the top 500 players from both ATP and WTA Rankings (singles) and the top 200 players across doubles. This is part of their Athlete Counsel & Equity (ACE) Program.
Program details
PTPA's ACE program: A first in tennis
The ACE Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative in tennis, seeks to bridge the financial gap between players who can and can't afford exorbitant legal fees. Co-founded by WTA player Tara Moore, the program will provide pro-bono legal support from global law firms King & Spalding LLP and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. This way, all players have equal access to top-notch legal expertise, irrespective of their finances or personal resources.
Personal journey
Tara Moore's personal experience inspires ACE program
A key figure in the launch of the ACE Program, Moore spoke about her own struggles and how they inspired this initiative. She set up a fund-raising page to finance her return to tennis after going through an "incredibly dark time." Since then, she has played eight events as she tries to climb back up the rankings. Her experiences highlight the need for support systems like the ACE Program within professional sports.
Sinner case
Jannik Sinner's doping case
World number one, Jannik Sinner is among the high-profile players currently entangled in a doping case, which could now lead to a two-year ban for him. The 23-year-old had tested positive twice for the steroid clostebol in March last year. However, he was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent tribunal. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) later appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), asking for a ban of up to two years.
Djokovic
Djokovic could be out for two months
Coming to Djokovic, the Serb is staring at a possible hiatus from the sport after suffering a serious hamstring injury. According to ESPN analyst Chris Fowler, Djokovic's injury involves a tear in the "deepest part of his hamstring." This could mean the Serbian star could be out for as long as two months. The injury was sustained during his four-set quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 Australian Open.