Key Takeaways:

• Carlos Alcaraz surprised by PTPA lawsuit against ATP, WTA, and ITF.
• He distances himself from the lawsuit, claiming he was unaware of its details.
• The PTPA's legal action follows concerns over player welfare and tour governance.

World number three Carlos Alcaraz has expressed his surprise and concern regarding the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA)'s recent lawsuit filed against tennis governing bodies including the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation, and International Tennis Integrity Agency. The lawsuit, which aims to challenge what it calls "monopolistic control" over the sport, particularly highlights claims of anti-competitive practices and neglect of player welfare, as reported by Reuters.

Alcaraz acknowledged that it was unexpected, stating, "It was surprising for me, because no one had told me about it." During a press conference at the Miami Open, he clarified that he did not back the lawsuit, explaining that a quote from him was included in the legal documents without his consent. He emphasized, "I honestly don't support that letter, because I wasn't aware of it," as noted by BBC.

The PTPA, co-founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, asserts that it has been in discussions with a broad spectrum of players, claiming significant backing for their cause. However, governing bodies have openly criticized the PTPA; the ATP accused it of causing "division and distraction," while the WTA described the legal action as "regrettable and misguided" in their statements.

Alcaraz articulated a nuanced position, recognizing that there are "things I agree with and there are other things I don't agree with" regarding the lawsuit's content. Nevertheless, he reiterated his stance against the way the situation was handled, underscoring the complexity of these ongoing discussions within the sport.

This lawsuit reflects broader concerns about player rights and governance in tennis, marking an important moment in the ongoing dialogue about the future structure of professional tennis.

For detailed information, refer to the full articles on Channel News Asia, Reuters, and BBC.