While the stars of men’s and women’s tennis battle it out for the Australian Open title, work is going on behind the scenes that could completely change the sport.
As first reported by The Telegraph, the PTPA has put forward a new model for tennis.
The association, which Novak Djokovic left recently, wants leading players in a new ‘Pinnacle Tour’, to appear in just 16 events every season, a 50% prize money increase in the first year, equal pay for men and women within three years, top 100 players to be guaranteed $1 million every year, and for the governance to be run by a single parent company.
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They have sent their proposal to several international banking firms, seeking leverage against the current tennis establishment.
The PTPA is already involved in a legal battle with the tennis tours, and this latest move has only added fuel to the fire.
It seems like their mission is to force the ATP and the WTA Tours into change, rather than create a breakaway tour, but if they are to receive major investment, then that could well become an option.
If they were to form a LIV-Golf style breakaway tour, the sport would undoubtedly change forever.
But who would be the PTPA’s Bryson DeChambeu? And who else should be at the top of their shopping list?
The PTPA should sign Nick Kyrgios before anyone else
Who better to lead an exciting new tour than the maverick himself, Nick Kyrgios?
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Kyrgios would relish the opportunity.
The former Wimbledon finalist is always great for a sound bite, and the organisation would certainly get their money’s worth.
He’s already shown support for the PTPA, putting his name to the lawsuit they filed in 2025.
It seems like a perfect fit, although there are a few reasons why the powers that be would be cautious about signing the Aussie.
While it could work in their favor, Kyrgios’ unpredictability brings a level of risk they may wish to avoid.
As entertaining as he is, the 30-year-old isn’t exactly a model professional, and perhaps isn’t someone you want to rely on to promote a new brand.
Then, there’s also the even bigger question mark around his health.
Kyrgios hasn’t played a full ATP Tour season since 2022, due to injury.
There’s been little evidence to suggest he will ever rediscover the form that once helped him to within two sets of a major title.
Regardless of those admittedly quite significant flaws, the eyes Kyrgios would bring to a new tour would surely make him a worthwhile signing.
The PTPA would need more than one player, though…
Aryna Sabalenka
Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka would be another great addition to the breakaway tour.
She already gets on well with Kyrgios and played him in Dubai last year.
If the PTPA were to sign the best player in the world, they would gain real credit as a viable alternative to the ATP/WTA Tour, which would be vital in the Pinnacle Tour’s infancy.
At 27, Sabalenka still has time on her side and could entertain fans on the new tour for several years.
Ben Shelton
Sabalenka’s young, but she’s not exactly a youngster.
America’s Ben Shelton, on the other hand, is one of the top prospects in men’s tennis.
The 23-year-old has already established himself as a top 10 player and won his first Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open last year.
Shelton has already grown a large following, and his bold personality could be just what the breakaway tour is after.
Venus Williams
Ok, Venus Williams wouldn’t necessarily be a long-term option, but adding a seven-time Grand Slam champion to the roster would definitely legitimize the ‘Pinnacle Tour’.
The 45-year-old is an excellent ambassador for tennis and always knows what to say at the right time.
Having someone with her experience around would be invaluable, and it’s not like she’s forgotten how to play tennis.
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Williams may have lost her last five singles matches on the WTA Tour, but she continues to battle away and came close to causing an upset at the Australian Open recently.
Daniil Medvedev
If you want people to watch your product, you need characters.
There aren’t many characters more entertaining than Daniil Medvedev…
The 2021 US Open champion is as lovable as he is talented, and should be right at the top of the PTPA’s shortlist.
He’s starting to look like the player who reached world number one, too, and still has a few more good years left at the top of the game.
Whether he chooses to spend those years on a new breakaway tour remains to be seen.
Why the PTPA won’t sign Novak Djokovic
If the news of the PTPA’s latest proposal had broken a few months earlier, Djokovic would surely have been the favorite to spearhead the ‘Pinnacle Tour’.
However, following Djokovic’s departure from the PTPA, it’s unlikely he’d join them for a breakaway venture.
But why did Djokovic leave the PTPA?
Posting a lengthy statement on X, Djokovic said that he no longer felt aligned with the PTPA’s values.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association,” he said.
“This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.
“I am proud of the vision that Vasek [Pospisil] and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice, but it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organisation.
“I will continue to focus on my tennis, my family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect my principles and integrity.
“I wish the players and those involved the best as they move forward, but for me, this chapter is now closed.”
Djokovic was a founding member of the organisation alongside Canada’s Vasek Pospisil.
His departure clearly hasn’t stopped the PTPA from making progress, though, as they look to leave their mark on the sport.
Only time will tell what will come of their latest proposal, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.
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