Wed May 21 16:30:00 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:**

**Summary:**

The ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA have jointly filed a motion to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit brought against them by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic. The PTPA alleges that the tennis organizations operate as a cartel, limiting players’ earnings and stifling competition. The defendants argue that the PTPA lacks standing to sue because it’s not a formal union with members or dues. The WTA has separately moved to dismiss claims from male players and compel female players to arbitration. The PTPA remains confident in its case and will respond to the motions in court.

**News Article:**

**Tennis Tours Move to Dismiss Djokovic-Backed Players’ Lawsuit**

**NEW YORK** – The ATP and WTA professional tennis tours, along with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), have filed a motion to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit brought against them by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), a group co-founded by tennis superstar Novak Djokovic. The lawsuit, filed in March, accuses the organizations of operating as a cartel, restricting player earnings and suppressing competition from alternative tours and tournaments.

The defendants argue that the PTPA, which aims to represent players as independent contractors, lacks the legal standing to sue because it doesn’t operate as a formal union with defined members or dues. According to court documents, the motion to dismiss was a combined effort from all four defendants.

In a separate motion, the WTA specifically seeks to dismiss claims from male plaintiffs, including prominent players like Nick Kyrgios and Reilly Opelka, arguing they have no grounds to sue the women’s tour. The WTA also seeks to compel female players involved in the suit, such as Sorana Cirstea and Varvara Gracheva, to binding arbitration.

The PTPA, in a statement to the Associated Press, expressed confidence in its legal position: “There is nothing surprising in their motions. We’ve researched all the issues at length, before filing our case, and look forward to responding in due course and having the judge decide.”

The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between players and the governing bodies of professional tennis over revenue sharing and control of the sport. The outcome of this legal battle could significantly reshape the landscape of professional tennis.

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