PTPA lawsuit against governing bodies is a special moment Kyrgios says

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios said the lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) against the sports governing bodies marks a special moment and that it was high time the players voices were heard.

The PTPA accused the mens and womens tours, as well as the International Tennis Federation and International Tennis Integrity Agency, of indulging in anti-competitive practices and disregarding player welfare.

Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios, who is among 12 current and former players listed as plaintiffs along with the PTPA in the U.S. suit in New York, said the group was determined to do something for the future of the game.

I know that myself and many of the players arent happy with the structures and everything thats going on in tennis at the moment, Kyrgios told Sky Sports.

This will be a special moment in tennis, for sure.

Things needed to change. Its a big day for tennis.

The PTPA was formally established by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020 to advocate for players.

Pospisil said the PTPA had spoken to over 300 players and had plenty of support, including from the top players.

The ATP/WTA has spread so much fear over the years that its not easy to put your name on this publicly. Player support for this initiative is undeniable, he added.

Mens governing body the ATP rejected the PTPAs claims of an unfair system that exploited the players and suppressed their earnings. It said that the PTPA was guilty of division and distraction.

The womens WTA described the action as regrettable and misguided.

Reuters has contacted both bodies for further comment.

While player associations are common in professional sports, tennis is different in that the players operate as independent contractors.

Were the only sport in the world that doesnt have a