All You Need to Know About Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil’s Players

Just before US Open 2020, Novak Djokovic alongside Vasek Pospisil, announced the creation of the Professional Tennis Players Association(PTPA). In what is a polarising move, Djokovic and Pospisil are the central figures in the newly formed players’ body.

After yesterday’s successful meeting, we are excited to announce the beginning of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). The first player only association in tennis since 1972. #PTPA pic.twitter.com/q8H0aOdqDl

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 30, 2020

Why did Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil form the PTPA?

Before the creation of PTPA, Novak Djokovic was the president of the ATP Player Council and Vasek Pospisil was a member of the council as well. But both the players weren’t happy with the way things were working inside ATP. They have said that the ATP system is flawed and has nothing for the players.

PTPA was created to give the players a representation and authority amongst various other organizations in tennis. Djokovic has often said that ATP and tournaments have a monopoly on the decisions and thus players have a very less role in influencing these decisions which are crucial to the players.

Vasek Pospisil has laid out the prime intention of the PTPA.

“The whole purpose of the PTPA is strictly to organize and unite the players, and be represented in a proper way where we actually have the ability to impact major decisions that are made that affect our livelihoods.”

What do Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil say about the ATP Players Council?

Djokovic and Pospisil have been ultra-critical of the ATP Player Council. Djokovic said, “These are political games that take place behind the scenes and you barely see anything written about it.”  

Pospisil has narrated his experience of being in the player council he felt that it is a very broken system.

“So many players constantly complaining about how things are run—everything from the revenue share to representation to just you name it. So I joined the council and I realized that it was a very broken system.”

How many players have signed up for the association?

Now the PTPA is looking to support all the top 500 singles players as well as the top 200 doubles players. But as the breakout association has been polarising, many have the eagerness to join and many are against the idea as well.

The first to join the association alongside Djokovic and Pospisil were John Isner and Sam Querrey. They were also a part of the ATP Players Council.

And in its early weeks, PTPA got an early boost as Milos Raonic revealed his intentions of joining the association. Tired and displeased with the leadership at the ATP during the pandemic break, the Canadian wants help for the lower-ranked players. Furthermore, French Open 2020 semifinalist Diego Schwartzman has…