Novak Djokovic’s PTPA drama erupted on March 18, 2025, with a lawsuit backed by Nick Kyrgios and Vasek Pospisil against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA. The PTPA accused these bodies of cartel-like behavior-suppressing earnings, limiting endorsements, imposing harsh schedules, and ignoring player welfare. While stars like Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Aryna Sabalenka rejected the lawsuit, Ben Shelton stayed silent. Now, the legal battle seems to be pulling Shelton into its orbit.
During the Miami Open, Alcaraz was clear: “I don’t support that letter, that, I don’t support that, because, as I said, I didn’t know anything about it.” Even WTA’s Sabalenka didn’t directly address the lawsuit but said players deserve a “larger percentage of the money they earn in tournaments and Grand Slams.” Now, reports have surfaced that the ATP allegedly pressured players to deny knowledge of the lawsuit, putting not only Shelton but also Zverev in a tough spot.
The news came from Judge Margaret Garnett via BBC. She said the ATP’s actions “could readily have been regarded as conceivably coercive, deceptive, or otherwise abusive,” especially in trying to influence Shelton and Zverev. The judge noted players are “vulnerable to economic coercion” since their livelihoods depend on ATP-run tournaments. This reliance “highlights the potentially abusive character of ATP’s behavior, irrespective of intent.”
According to reports, the court barred the ATP from retaliating of any kind against any player involved or possibly involved in the lawsuit. But it denied the PTPA’s request for a full ban on all communications between players and the ATP about the case. The ruling acknowledged the ATP’s right to respond legally but set firm limits to protect players from intimidation.
Aug 13, 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA ; Ben Shelton of the United States celebrates after defeating Riley Opelka of the United States on day two of the Cincinnati Open. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
The ATP must also preserve all communications with players related to the lawsuit, though it doesn’t have to release them yet. The ATP said it “acknowledges the court’s ruling and will promptly comply with its directions.” An ATP spokesperson added, “We remain committed to supporting our players, upholding the integrity of the game, and fully defending ourselves in the ongoing legal proceedings.”
Earlier, the ATP strongly rejected the PTPA’s claims as “entirely without merit.” They accused the PTPA of choosing “division and distraction through misinformation over progress,” emphasizing their dedication to the game’s growth, financial stability, and the best future for players, tournaments, and fans.
Additionally, while Alcaraz openly distanced himself from the lawsuit, it was Alexander Zverev who offered his perspective during the Miami Open press conference. He said, “I think over the last 15 to 20 years, the tour has become a commercial structure that considers tournaments to be perhaps more important than the players. I’m not sure that’s right. Player health should always come first. Career longevity should always come first. There are things that can still be improved, that can still be worked on.” His remarks reveal a cautious but critical stance on the ATP’s priorities amid the ongoing legal battle.
But why are players like Ben Shelton now involved? That remains unclear. The No.13 player hasn’t spoken publicly about the lawsuit since it was filed. Meanwhile, Djokovic, the PTPA co-founder, has shared his views on the case.
Djokovic reveals his reason behind sitting out of the PTPA lawsuit
On March 20, Novak Djokovic weighed in on the PTPA’s class-action lawsuit against tennis’s governing bodies. Though he co-founded the group with Vasek Pospisil, Djokovic said he disagreed with parts of the suit. “In general, I felt I didn’t need to sign the letter because I want other players to step up. I’ve been very active in tennis politics,” he told reporters at the Miami Open. Calling it a “classic lawsuit, so lawyers to lawyers, type of situation,” he added, “there are things that I agree with in the lawsuit, and then there are also things that I don’t agree with.”
Djokovic admitted some wording in the lawsuit was strong. “I think the legal team knows what they’re doing and what kind of terminology they need to use to get the right effect,” he said. The suit challenges prize money formulas, rankings, and an “unsustainable” 11-month calendar that ignores player welfare. Still, Djokovic stressed his fight for better player representation.
“I’ve never been a fan of division in our sport, but I’ve always fought for better representation and influence of and positioning of the players globally in our sport, which I think is still not where I think it should be,” he added.
With the lawsuit dragging on, the tennis world watches closely. Djokovic’s mix of support and caution contrasts with the governing bodies’ firm rejection and Ben Shelton’s unexpected mention in court. It’s tough to say what happens next. What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
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