Nick Kyrgios is among a group of top tennis players suing the sport’s governing bodies for allegedly operating a cartel that restricts competition, caps prize money, and limits off-court earnings.
The lawsuit, filed by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic and backed by billionaire Bill Ackman, claims that the ATP Tour, WTA Tour, and International Tennis Federation (ITF) violate US antitrust laws by controlling players’ pay and working conditions.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝘅 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀.
— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) March 18, 2025
Today, the PTPA and over a dozen players, on behalf of the entire professional population, filed a sweeping series of legal actions against the ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA to reform professional tennis. https://t.co/1r4LWQpopP
The lawsuit alleges that players face capped earnings, gruelling schedules, and invasive investigations, with little control over their careers and brands.
“Professional tennis players are stuck in a rigged game,” the suit states.
The players argue that the sport shares less than 20% of its gross revenues with players, in contrast to other professional sports, which provide a significantly higher share.
The ATP and WTA have denied the claims, asserting that they have worked to expand compensation for players.
Important to note that we spoke to over 300 players prior to filing and everyone was extremely supportive. Including the top players.
— Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) March 18, 2025
The ATP/WTA has spread so much fear over the years that it’s not easy to put your name on this publicly. Player support for this initiative is… https://t.co/7AfaBGHsJr
The governing bodies also dispute the lawsuit’s accusations, with the ATP calling the PTPA’s legal action “division and distraction” and the WTA stating that it would divert attention from the sport’s core mission.
A key issue raised in the lawsuit is the closed system of tournaments enforced by the ATP and WTA, preventing players from competing in other events and limiting their earnings.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that sponsorship and endorsement opportunities are restricted, with players barred from endorsing certain brands and sports betting companies.
Tennis player @nickkyrgios speaks out after the @ptpaplayers and 12 players filed a lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA.https://t.co/lZqRUcQ6yp pic.twitter.com/QK00KVumAB
— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) March 19, 2025
The players also argue that the governing bodies’ control over ranking points and attendance requirements further limits their opportunities to earn income.
The lawsuit names the ITF as a defendant, accusing it of conducting invasive anti-doping investigations and imposing illegal arbitration agreements.
Kyrgios, along with other players, is challenging the ATP, WTA, and ITF’s control over the sport, which they argue undermines their ability to earn and compete freely.
Source: SMH.
