“Definitely on the PTPA Side”: Denis Shapovalov Sides With Novak Djokovic’s Breakaway Players’ Union

Published 03/28/2021, 8:38 AM EDT

The Miami Open 2021 has started off on a gloomy note on the ATP side. One controversy that engulfed the first few days was Vasek Pospisil’s meltdown in the first round of the tournament. The incident raised questions about player treatment and ultimately saw various players coming together to offer their support to the Canadian. This also brought together various players who were in support of Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil’s PTPA.

Now, even Denis Shapovalov has offered his support for PTPA.

Shapovalov had earlier been tight-lipped about the PTPA. But after his second-round match at Miami Open, he clarified that he is a supporter of PTPA. He believes the newly formed association is a better representation of players on the tour than ATP.

Article continues below this ad

“I’m definitely on the PTPA side. I think we are not under-represented, but I think there [are] ways that we could be represented better.”

Denis Shapovalov on the mistreatment of players

Shapovalov reiterated that players and tournaments are partners and the way players are treated is not correct.

“They are just telling us to go and play tennis which, in my opinion, it’s not right. They shouldn’t, you know, talk to us like that if we’re partners.”

Article continues below this ad

During his match, Pospisil blasted a ball out of the court, broke his racquet, and abused the chair umpire. But that is not all, Pospisil, during the match, even said that ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi tried to shut him down in a recent meeting because he had created the PTPA.

When did Novak Djokovic start PTPA?

PTPA or the Professional Tennis Players Association was started by World No.1 Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil last year. They alleged that players don’t have a say in the decisions taken by the ATP and the tournaments, and so decided to go ahead with a new association to better represent the players on the ATP and WTA Tour.

Article continues below this ad

Moving over to Shapovalov, the Canadian had a good start to his Miami Open. He registered a three-set victory in the second round and will next play 26th seed, Hubert Hurkacz.

“#Playersvoice”: After Novak Djokovic, Milos Raonic, John Isner and Others Line Up to Support Vasek Pospisil

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Bhavishya Mittal is a tennis author for EssentiallySports, who is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Manipal University. A former sports editor for The Manipal Journal, Bhavishya has also worked for The New Indian Express. He has a keen eye for many sports but he is a particularly ardent follower of tennis, with a zest to create riveting articles on the ever-evolving sport.

“Definitely on the PTPA Side”: Denis Shapovalov Sides With Novak Djokovic’s Breakaway Players’ Union

Denis Shapovalov on the mistreatment of players

Trending

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

Madrid Open 2024: Rafael Nadal vs Darwin Blanch; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Barcelona Open: How Much Money Will Stefanos Tsitsipas or Casper Ruud Earn for Winning the Title?

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Fashion ‘Upgrade’ Stumps Tennis World As They React to Her Outing With Rumored Boyfriend

When did Novak Djokovic start PTPA?