Alexander Zverev ‘convinced’ ATP can lead change as he reacts to PTPA lawsuit
Alexander Zverev admits he remains “convinced” that players can work with the ATP Tour to address key issues in the aftermath of the PTPA’s bombshell lawsuit.
The PTPA announced on Tuesday that it was taking legal action against the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation, and International Tennis Integrity Agency.
The association claims that their lawsuit reveals “how tennis’ corrupt governing bodies systemically abuse, silence, and exploit players” through an array of “illegal” practices.
Among the leading concerns cited in their case are the revenue splits between tournaments and players, the “unsustainable” tennis calendar, and privacy rights for players.
Twelve plaintiffs from across the ATP and WTA were named as part of the PTPA’s case, though the document claims to represent the concerns of up to 300 players.
As the current world No 2 and as a leading member of the ATP Player Council, Zverev is well-placed to discuss some of the issues addressed by the legal case.
Speaking in Miami, the three-time Grand Slam finalist admitted that he shared some of the concerns stated in the document.
However, the 27-year-old also expressed his belief that players could continue working with the ATP to bring about positive change.
He said: “I think over the last 15 to 20 years, the tour has become, the ATP has become a commercial structure that considers tournaments to be perhaps more important than the players. I’m not sure that’s right.
“Player health should always come first. Career longevity should always come first. There are things that can still be improved, that can still be worked on.
“That’s why I’m on the player council – it [the lawsuit] has issues that we’ve talked about. Scheduling is one of them. Extended tournaments is another one.
“I really believe that with the ATP and the people at the top, we can move things forward. I really believe that with the ATP and with the people at the top who can decide the direction the tour is going, we can improve. We’ve been talking about it for a long, long time.
“It’s a slow process, there’s no doubt about it. I think some things can be a little bit faster – but I remain convinced that we should work on these issues with the ATP.”
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Zverev’s comments came on the same day it emerged that the PTPA was seeking a court order against the ATP.
The PTPA has alleged that the ATP has engaged in “improper, coercive or threatening communications” by asking players to sign a pre-prepared statement claiming they had no prior knowledge of the lawsuit.
World No 2 Zverev kickstarted his Miami Open campaign with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-4 win over Jacob Fearnley in Saturday’s second-round clash.
It was a much-needed win for the German, who has struggled since his Australian Open final defeat, and who was beaten in his opening match in Indian Wells two weeks ago.
Zverev will return to action when he faces Jordan Thompson in round three on Monday.
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