Carlos Alcaraz opts against supporting Novak Djokovic-led PTPA lawsuit

Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, has made it clear that he is distancing himself from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA)'s class action lawsuit against tennis's governing bodies. He emphasized his commitment to focusing on his performance and maintaining a neutral stance in the ongoing dispute.

The PTPA, an advocacy group founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, filed the lawsuit earlier this week. The lawsuit alleges anti-competitive behavior on the part of the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation, and International Tennis Integrity Agency. The group believes that these organizations are not acting in the best interest of the players.

The PTPA claims these governing bodies disregard player well-being and cited comments made by four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who criticized the busy tennis schedule last September, in the 163-page document. "It was a surprise to me because nobody told me anything about it," Alcaraz said at a press conference at the Miami Open. "Yesterday I saw on social media that they quoted something that I said in a press conference a year ago, but I didn't know anything about it. Honestly, I am not supporting that letter because I didn't know anything about it."

The ATP has dismissed the PTPA's allegations, stating that the advocacy group is committing an error of "division and distraction." The WTA described the lawsuit as "unfortunate and misleading." Djokovic stated that he does not want the lawsuit to create a rift in the tennis world, but he maintains that the revenue split for players needs to increase. "I've never been a fan and supporter of division in our sport," Djokovic said. "But I've always fought for better representation, influence and positioning of players globally, and I still think that hasn't reached the level that it should."

Pospisil stated that the PTPA has communicated with over 300 players and has received significant support. Nick Kyrgios, one of 12 current and former players listed as plaintiffs alongside the PTPA in the New York U.S. lawsuit, stated that this marks a "special moment," suggesting a turning point in player advocacy and rights.