Ex-Rival’s Coach Isn’t a Fan of PTPA’s Lawsuit Drama
The tennis world is no stranger to off-court controversies, and the latest legal battle involving the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has certainly sparked debate. However, not everyone is on board with the organization’s aggressive push for player rights—especially not a well-known coach from a rival camp.
The PTPA, co-founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020, has been in an ongoing struggle with tennis’s governing bodies, seeking greater representation and benefits for players outside the elite circle. While its mission has won support from many pros, the group’s decision to take legal action has drawn criticism from some corners of the sport. One of the most vocal detractors? A coach with ties to a top rival of Djokovic’s, who isn’t holding back.
In a recent interview, the former coach of a major tennis star expressed his frustration with the PTPA’s approach. He acknowledged that player welfare is a crucial issue but argued that lawsuits and public confrontations aren’t the way to solve it. “I understand wanting better conditions for players, but this isn’t the right way,” he said. “Tennis is already a divided sport with too many competing interests. Taking this to the courts only adds fuel to the fire.”
His comments come amid the PTPA’s legal action against certain tennis organizations, which it accuses of monopolistic practices that limit player earnings and opportunities. The association argues that governing bodies like the ATP and WTA hold too much control over scheduling, prize money, and sponsorship deals, leaving many lower-ranked players struggling financially.
Despite the PTPA’s claims, the ex-rival’s coach believes that legal battles could backfire. “There are ways to negotiate without tearing the sport apart,” he added. “Litigation could alienate tournament organizers, sponsors, and even some players who don’t want to be involved in the drama.”
This coach has long been associated with a player who had fierce on-court battles with Djokovic. While he didn’t mention the Serbian star by name, his comments seemed to take a veiled shot at Djokovic’s leadership within the PTPA. “Some people always want to challenge the system, but sometimes stability is more important,” he said.
Notably, opinions on the PTPA remain divided even among players. While some see it as a necessary force to protect athletes’ rights, others worry that it risks creating chaos in an already fragmented tennis ecosystem. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, for example, have previously voiced skepticism about the PTPA’s efforts, preferring to work within the ATP’s existing structure rather than against it.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the PTPA’s gamble will pay off. But one thing is clear—the organization’s methods aren’t winning over everyone, and this latest criticism from an ex-rival’s coach only adds to the controversy.