Novak Djokovic-led Tennis Player Association Raises Concerns About Anti-Doping Procedures in Letter

The tension between tennis players and the sport’s integrity authority has escalated significantly this week. The leading organizing body for tennis players directly challenged the methods used by tennis to monitor doping and corruption.

In a letter sent to Karen Moorehouse, the CEO of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), and reviewed by The Athletic, Ahmad Nassar, the executive director of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), accused ITIA investigators of seizing players’ personal mobile phones, intimidating their families, and threatening players with sanctions and suspensions unless they comply immediately.

“The reports we’ve received indicate that the ITIA’s investigative process is flawed, and investigators are overstepping their roles,” Nassar stated.

Nassar, who heads the PTPA alongside Djokovic, revealed that over 10 players have reached out to the PTPA in recent months to report aggressive behavior by ITIA investigators.

In response, a statement from the ITIA characterized the allegations as “serious but generic” and expressed a willingness to investigate specific claims of misconduct.

“Our belief is that ITIA investigators operate within the rules, with respect and in alignment with our values,” the agency stated.

The PTPA has engaged a law firm to explore potential legal action against the governing bodies of tennis, including the ATP, WTA Tours, and Grand Slam tournaments. They are challenging the current power structure in tennis through various means, including antitrust litigation.

Ahmad Nassar has been executive director of the PTPA since summer 2022. ( Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images for PTPA)

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In light of recent events related to doping cases, players have expressed growing discontent with the governance of tennis. The discrepancies in decisions by various bodies have raised doubts about the fairness of the system.

Simona Halep earlier this month played in Hong Kong after her return to tennis was derailed by injury. (Yu Chun Christopher Wong / Eurasia Images via Getty Images)

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The players aspire for a sport based on fair play and integrity, but they should not endure unjust investigative treatment,” he stated.

(Top photo: Hector Ratamal / AFP via Getty Images)