PTPA co-founder Vasek Pospisil has disclosed what Novak Djokovic’s role is in the lawsuit against tennis’ governing bodies.
The tennis world was rocked when the news of the PTPA’s lawsuit broke just as the Miami Open was due to commence.
The likes of Nick Kyrgios name among other ATP Tour and WTA Tour stars were also mentioned in the series of legal actions that has been filed.
Now Vasek Pospisil, one of the Professional Tennis Players Association co-founders, shed some light on what the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s involvement is in the lawsuit.
Vasek Pospisil explains Novak Djokovic’s stance on PTPA lawsuit
Following the lawsuit filed by the PTPA, a press release highlighted seven areas they believe have been ignored by the top people in tennis.
Some of these topics include fixing prize money and suppressing player earnings, disregard for players and an unsustainable schedule.
There has been a divisive response to the lawsuit and its contents, and many have wondered how much of an input Novak Djokovic had in proceedings. This is where his co-founder Pospisil cleared up any confusion surrounding the Serbian’s stance.
“He was very much part of the process, getting updated. He had the lawsuit, him and his agent, months or a month – I don’t know exactly when – but with plenty of time ,” he told the Slice Tennis podcast.
“For him, I obviously spoke to him a few times prior to filing the lawsuit, I don’t want to put words in his mouth but I think his position is that he didn’t want to make this about him, he wanted to make this about the wider group of players and the much needed change in tennis.
“Of course, as a PTPA co-founder this is a PTPA co-led lawsuit so it almost goes without saying that he is part of it. So I guess that it was his preference to take the position as PTPA co-founder and being involved in the lawsuit from that angle, rather than as a direct named plaintive.
“He clearly had his reasons but he is also very much aware and supportive of what we are doing, there is no question about that.”
What has Novak Djokovic said about the PTPA lawsuit?
Djokovic has used his voice and platform over the years to stand up for causes or a point of view that he believes in.
In 2019, he founded the PTPA alongside Vasek Pospisil to help with this, and this lawsuit announcement is their biggest move yet.
Before the Miami Open began, Djokovic said he wants lower ranked players to receive a higher income, which is one of the topics mentioned in the lawsuit.
“When it comes to viable living, as many players as possible. I don’t think there should be any limit or number to that. Currently there is not enough players living from this sport,” he said.
“But the reason why I have been talking for years about the equal split of the pie or increasing the prize money is because of the grass root levels.
”The men and women professional tennis players who are fighting to basically continue playing the sport. I know personally a very big number of players who have left tennis, particularly during covid time because of a lack of funds.
“So I don’t know exactly nowadays what is the number of players that are able to make a living from this sport. But I think it is probably singles, doubles, men and women combined, about 400 if so, which is not enough for a very global sport that we have.”
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