Nick Kyrgios is never one to hold back when it comes to sharing his thoughts. Known for his outspoken nature, he’s now found an unexpected ally in none other than 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic! Their relationship has evolved from heated rivalry to genuine friendship, and it’s fascinating to see. Remember when they teamed up at the Brisbane International? Kyrgios enthusiastically told Djokovic, “Brother, you’re the greatest of all time. Go for it; do what you want to do!” However, here he was talking about Nole’s game on the court. But now he’s backing up the Serb in his legal action against the tennis tour with the PTPA. What a twist, right?
To catch you up, on March 18, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, made headlines by filing a series of lawsuits against major tennis governing bodies, including the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA. The PTPA accuses these organizations of operating as a “cartel” that exploits players and jeopardizes their health and safety. With the backing of 12 players, including Nick Kyrgios and Reilly Opelka, this legal action aims to bring systemic change to professional tennis.
The community has been divided into factions, with strong opinions both for and against recent developments. Adding to the discourse on X, Bill Ackman, whose Pershing Square Foundation has backed the PTPA’s commercial arm, Winners Alliance, by securing $26 million in funding, highlighted the stark contrast between the glamorous perception of tennis and the harsh reality faced by most players.
He stated, “The reality is a loss-making, health-threatening grind for all but the top 100 or so players,” emphasizing the urgent need for reform to protect athletes’ interests through the PTPA. Ackman concluded with a powerful call to action: “The time for this to stop is now.” In response, Kyrgios enthusiastically chimed in, saying, “You know it partner ,” further showing his support for the legal case and his stance with the PTPA.
You know it partner https://t.co/GDBgrrcrKK
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) March 18, 2025
It’s been a tough ride for Kyrgios since returning to the court after taking a year off to heal from wrist and ankle injuries sustained in 2023. He made his comeback in January but has faced first-round exits since then. You might recall seeing him active on social media, especially when discussing Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek’s doping controversies or calling out unfair treatment in the sport. Could it be that his belief in speaking up led him to join the PTPA?
Kyrgios Celebrates PTPA Lawsuit as a Game-Changer for Tennis
Nick Kyrgios has thrown his full support behind the PTPA lawsuit against tennis’s governing bodies, calling it a “special moment” for the sport. Being one of 12 players listed as plaintiffs in the U.S. suit, he didn’t hold back, telling Sky Sports on Wednesday, “I know that myself and many of the players aren’t happy with the structures and everything that’s going on in tennis at the moment. This will be a special moment in tennis, for sure. Things needed to change. It’s a big day for tennis.”
This isn’t the first time Kyrgios has spoken up about injustice in tennis. Last month, after Jannik Sinner received a three-month ban from WADA, Kyrgios called out the decision on social media, saying, “Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist,” and questioning why Sinner faced no loss of titles or prize money despite testing positive for a banned substance. He even took a cheeky jab before the Australian Open, tweeting, “Bye has failed less drug tests than Sinner,” poking fun at the perceived double standards. Kyrgios also criticized the lack of transparency in the Italian’s CAS trial, asking why it was held behind closed doors.
Now with the PTPA formally established by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020, Kyrgios is confident this lawsuit is a step toward real reform. As the lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA unfolds, what do you think the future holds for professional tennis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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