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In a precedent-setting ruling that may define the future relationship between tennis players and the sport's governing associations, a New York judge has ruled that ATP officials tried to unfairly influence leading players, including Munich champion Alexander Zverev and US star Ben Shelton, in the middle of a court fight with the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) as reported by BBC.
The action arises out of a larger complaint filed by the PTPA in March against four of the biggest tennis governing bodies—the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The union, which was cofounded by 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, claims "anti-competitive practices" and a "blatant disregard for player welfare."
Alexander Zverev of Germany at the net witht Ben Shelton of the United States© Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
The ATP purportedly attempted to coerce players into signing pre-drafted denials of prior knowledge of the PTPA's lawsuit, the court's findings state. Judge Margaret Garnett ruled Wednesday the ATP's actions could "readily have been regarded as conceivably coercive, deceptive, or otherwise abusive," especially in how they attempted to influence Zverev and Shelton, both high-profile players on the tour.
The judge added that players such as Zverev and Shelton are "vulnerable to economic coercion," since their livelihoods rely significantly on tournaments nearly entirely operated by the ATP. Such reliance, the court stated, highlights the potentially abusive character of ATP's behavior, irrespective of intent.
Although the PTPA had sought a blanket order prohibiting all communication by players and the ATP about the suit, the judge issued a narrower ruling. The order prevents the ATP from retaliating—or threatening retaliation—against any player who is involved or would be involved in the lawsuit. The court would not issue a complete ban against communication by the ATP, while acknowledging the right of the organization to reply to the litigation in a legal manner.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates during his match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain© Mike Frey-Imagn Images
In addition, the ATP was instructed to save all records of communications with players in connection with the lawsuit, but is not mandated to release them yet.
The ATP replied, saying it "recognizes the court's decision and will comply expeditiously," reiterating its support for players and upholding its position through legal avenues.
Zverev and Shelton, while not formal plaintiffs on the case, are now the focal point of a controversy with significant implications about power imbalances and player rights in professional tennis. With legal proceedings still unfolding and the public eye squarely placed on the ATP's governance methodology, this decision may represent an important watershed moment in the sport's changing labor landscape.
Continue reading...
The action arises out of a larger complaint filed by the PTPA in March against four of the biggest tennis governing bodies—the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The union, which was cofounded by 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, claims "anti-competitive practices" and a "blatant disregard for player welfare."
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Alexander Zverev of Germany at the net witht Ben Shelton of the United States© Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
The ATP purportedly attempted to coerce players into signing pre-drafted denials of prior knowledge of the PTPA's lawsuit, the court's findings state. Judge Margaret Garnett ruled Wednesday the ATP's actions could "readily have been regarded as conceivably coercive, deceptive, or otherwise abusive," especially in how they attempted to influence Zverev and Shelton, both high-profile players on the tour.
The judge added that players such as Zverev and Shelton are "vulnerable to economic coercion," since their livelihoods rely significantly on tournaments nearly entirely operated by the ATP. Such reliance, the court stated, highlights the potentially abusive character of ATP's behavior, irrespective of intent.
Although the PTPA had sought a blanket order prohibiting all communication by players and the ATP about the suit, the judge issued a narrower ruling. The order prevents the ATP from retaliating—or threatening retaliation—against any player who is involved or would be involved in the lawsuit. The court would not issue a complete ban against communication by the ATP, while acknowledging the right of the organization to reply to the litigation in a legal manner.
You must be registered for see images attach
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates during his match against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain© Mike Frey-Imagn Images
In addition, the ATP was instructed to save all records of communications with players in connection with the lawsuit, but is not mandated to release them yet.
The ATP replied, saying it "recognizes the court's decision and will comply expeditiously," reiterating its support for players and upholding its position through legal avenues.
Zverev and Shelton, while not formal plaintiffs on the case, are now the focal point of a controversy with significant implications about power imbalances and player rights in professional tennis. With legal proceedings still unfolding and the public eye squarely placed on the ATP's governance methodology, this decision may represent an important watershed moment in the sport's changing labor landscape.
Continue reading...
