Novak Djokovic: A Tennis Legend Committed to Improving the Sport
Novak Djokovic is not just a tennis legend; he is also a passionate advocate for the betterment of the sport. Through the creation of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), Djokovic positions himself as a key figure in enhancing the economic viability of tennis, as he finds the current situation unacceptable.
A Clear Imbalance in Tennis
Tennis, despite its global popularity, fails to provide what it truly deserves. There exists a significant disparity between the revenue generated by the sport and the financial rewards received by its top performers, the tennis players. While the elite players earn substantial amounts, only a handful of individuals can pursue a career in tennis with financial security. This dire situation, characterized by precariousness and limited opportunities, may result in the loss of exceptional talents. Novak Djokovic, well aware of this issue, expressed his concerns during a recent PTPA meeting, signaling a potential turning point in the sport.
Novak Djokovic says it’s a ’failure for our sport’ that less than 400 players can make a living:
“I was in their shoes, I understand the struggle. I understand the difficulties of paying the costs for travel if you don’t have the backing of a strong federation, which 90% or even… pic.twitter.com/2EG4JIk49c
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 23, 2023
“I have experienced the financial hardships faced by many tennis players. I understand their struggles, the challenges of covering travel expenses, coaches, and physiotherapists. Without the support of a strong federation, these obstacles become insurmountable. Coming from Serbia, I did not have any of that support. Now that I have influence and power, I aim to leverage them to improve the conditions. We often discuss the earnings of tennis players participating in prestigious tournaments like the US Open, but we rarely acknowledge the number of individuals who can sustain a living through tennis—men, women, doubles players, and more. With only around 400 tennis players able to make a living from the sport, this figure is disheartening for a globally recognized sport like tennis. It signifies a failure,” warned the Serbian player.
Djokovic’s Empathy and Leadership
Novak Djokovic’s understanding of the current situation is evident, and his empathy towards less privileged players is commendable. If anyone has the power to bring about change, it is him. Moreover, he has garnered support from esteemed figures like Ons Jabeur, who emphasizes the importance of not only listening to the voices of the top-ranked players but also considering the perspectives of others. “Previously, nobody paid attention to me or listened to what I had to say because I wasn’t in the top 10. But now that has changed. And I find that problematic,” declared the Tunisian player, who is actively involved in PTPA initiatives.
Ons Jabeur says it’s wrong to only listen to the voices of the top players:
“Before, if I talked, nobody would listen bc I wasn’t in the top 10 & I wasn’t a top player, but now they listen. Now they would care about my opinion. I feel like it’s wrong to only listen to the top… pic.twitter.com/hyuh5F3SGq
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 23, 2023