Tue Apr 15 09:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Tennis Star Alleges Threats in High-Stakes Lawsuit Against ATP

**New York, NY** – Veteran tennis player Reilly Opelka has accused ATP Tour chairman Andrea Gaudenzi of sending a player to threaten him with financial repercussions if he didn’t withdraw his name from a lawsuit challenging the ATP’s practices. The explosive allegation emerged during a three-hour hearing Friday in a Manhattan federal court, where a motion to prevent the ATP from contacting players about the lawsuit is being considered.

The lawsuit, filed by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), accuses the ATP and WTA of antitrust violations, suppressing player wages, and disregarding player health. Opelka, testifying remotely from Barcelona, claimed an unnamed member of the ATP Players Council, acting on Gaudenzi’s instructions, warned him he risked losing his pension and incurring substantial legal fees if he remained involved. The ATP vehemently denies the allegation, calling Opelka’s account “hearsay.”

The hearing also featured testimony from Vasek Pospisil, another plaintiff, who stated that while he initially claimed 300 players supported the lawsuit, he has since spoken to approximately 150 players who are largely in favor of it. He acknowledged that the lack of public support from some players, including Novak Djokovic, who is a PTPA co-founder, is confusing, while also stating that he didn’t approach young star Carlos Alcaraz due to his age.

The ATP, in its defense, highlighted the relatively small number of players who have publicly backed the lawsuit, portraying the PTPA’s actions as a “sophisticated PR campaign.” The tour’s lawyers also pointed to the ATP’s bylaws, which require members who sue and lose to pay the tour’s legal fees, with estimates of potential legal costs reaching $50 million to $100 million.

The hearing highlighted the deep animosity between the ATP and the PTPA, with both sides trading accusations and evidence. The judge has given both parties a week to submit additional briefs before issuing a ruling on the motion to gag the ATP. The case is still in its early stages, with the defendants’ initial reply not due until May 20.

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