In passionate support for compatriot Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic has reiterated calls for a reassessment of player pay in Tennis, saying the current pay structure leaves much to be desired. This follows Kyrgios’ recent comments regarding the demands of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) season, which he described as excessively long and insufficiently remunerated.
“The tour is just absurd compared to any other sport,” the Australian star said, pointing to the grueling travel schedule players are subjected to for what he considers inadequate financial reward. “It’s ridiculous, given the grueling travel and the salary we receive, which does not reflect the effort we put in, which is frankly a joke,” he added, highlighting the frustration felt by many. many players.
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Djokovic, who has an impressive haul of 24 Grand Slam singles titles and teamed up with Kyrgios in a doubles match at the Brisbane International this week, backed up the sentiment. He highlighted the stark differences in revenue distribution between tennis and other major sports.
“In big sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, the revenue distribution is often around 50% or more, while in tennis our share is significantly lower,” Djokovic said after his victory in singles against Gael Monfils, who assured him a place in the quarter-finals in Brisbane.
He then discussed the complexities of the international tennis landscape, where different countries have varying regulations, taxes and prize distributions. “Each tournament operates independently in terms of its prize allocations, resulting in a fragmented system,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Djokovic noted the creation of the Professional Tennis Players Association, which he co-founded in 2019, aimed at defending players’ rights. He mentioned: “I am fully aware of how the system works. Unfortunately, players often lack a voice in major decisions that affect us all. »
Djokovic has been outspoken about structural issues within the ATP, admitting that players represent only 50% of the organization’s interests. “There are often conflicts of interest between tournament organizers and players,” he said. “As we fight for better compensation, the ATP may be reluctant to accommodate these desires. »
He concluded by reiterating Kyrgios’ point: when looking at the overall percentage of revenue allocated to tennis players compared to other global sports, it is strikingly lower than that of American sports.
As discussions around these issues intensify, it remains to be seen how tennis governing bodies will respond to their players’ demands.
