Tennis is reportedly at risk of a civil war with a LIV Golf-style split having been proposed by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA). The maverick body co-founded by Novak Djokovic is plotting a revolutionary change to proceedings, with a rise in prize money and blanket equality across the men’s and women’s tours.
It’s reported by the Telegraph – who claim to have seen a leaked document – that the PTPA is planning to introduce a three-tier system, with the highest division called the ‘Pinnacle Tour’. Also included in the suggestions are a rise by 50 per cent in the prize money within the first year, with equal pay for men and women by year three.
On top of that, the top 100 players are guaranteed $1m (£745,000) in year one, while the two tours would be unified under the governance of one parent company. It represents a major threat to the current set-up at both the WTA and ATP Tours.
It’s an idea that isn’t too dissimilar to the ‘Premium Tour’ concept put forward by Tennis Australia in 2024, but the big difference at this stage is that the PTPA have reportedly sought ‘expressions of interest’ from potential investors. If investment is secured, it could represent the first step towards forming a breakaway tour.
This, of course, has already happened with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, which split from the PGA Tour in 2021. Meanwhile, the European Super League has been plotting something similar in professional football for some time now as well.
The proposals from the PTPA is believed to have the support – at least in part – of Tennis Australia. However, this has caused a reported rift at the top of tennis’ food chain, with officials from the French Tennis Federation and All England Club said to be seething.
The FTF cancelled a planned trip to the ongoing Australian Open in protest of the decision, with suggestions the All England Club were close to following suit. The PTPA believe there are “deep structural issues and a suppressive governance model”, that has caused a “confusing and inaccessible calendar for fans”.