Boris Becker had harsh words. © APA / MAX SLOVENCIK

Becker criticizes tennis union for lawsuit

Germany's tennis legend Boris Becker has strongly criticized the lawsuits brought by the tennis players' union PTPA.

March 24, 2025

From: dpa

First Carlos Alcaraz, now also Boris Becker. PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar, in particular, attacks Becker in the podcast "Becker Petkovic" with former tennis player Andrea Petkovic. "I've been in the tennis business for 40 years. If I ran into that man now, I wouldn't recognize him," Becker said. "And he talks about my beloved sport and says tennis is broken – what does this man think he's doing?"

The union accuses the professional organizations ATP and WTA, as well as the world tennis federation ITF, of forming a "cartel" and a "corrupt, illegal, and abusive system." Therefore, lawsuits have been filed with more than a dozen tennis professionals in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Boris Becker recently coached Holger Rune. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

The complaints center around, among other things, the high workload for professionals, an overly long season, and agreements to prevent competitions between tournaments. Furthermore, a restrictive ranking system makes it difficult for players to participate in alternative events.

Becker missing top players in lawsuits

Becker points out, above all, that none of the top professionals signed the lawsuits. "If the top ten players were to support this unanimously, fine. If I don't have one, then I can't take the matter so seriously," Becker said. "I don't understand the basis, the language, and the manner in which it's being done."