Djokovic led PTPA believes players should 'remain free to play where their beliefs dictate' including Saudi Arabia
Tennis NewsTuesday, 24 October 2023 at 08:02
Novak Djokovic-led Professional Tennis Players Association
(PTPA) believes that players should not be forced to act like a ‘moral police’
when it comes to playing in events in Saudi Arabia. This was voiced by their CEO Ahmad Nasser.
The oil-rich country is investing heavily in different
sports, something that has been labeled as a mean ‘sportswashing’ to build
itself a soft image.
Saudi Arabia’s move to invest in different sports from
football to golf to tennis has also been criticised by Amnesty International.
PTPA CEO Ahmad Nassar voices his opinion
However, PTPA CEO Ahmad Nassar, while talking about the matter,
stated that the players should not be forced to act like moral police and that they
should be allowed to decide on their own.
“The PTPA, like other players associations, exists to
represent all players,” he said. “That includes players with various viewpoints
on nuanced and complicated issues such as holding events in Saudi Arabia (or
any other location). Players must remain free to play – or not play – wherever
their own personal beliefs dictate."
“Like all businesses, tennis must be careful who it partners
with. It’s certainly possible to host events in almost any location, provided
the business terms, optics, and ability to drive meaningful and lasting
improvements are considered."
“But putting the burden on professional athletes to
belatedly act as the world’s “morality police” is at best curious and
hypocritical, and at worst, a dangerous and purposeful misdirection.
“As the advocacy group for professional tennis players, the
PTPA encourages players to use their voices, platforms and influence to speak
out on issues that are important to them.
“Our role as an organization, as indicated in our PTPA
Principles, is to ensure players’ freedom of expression and freedom of
opportunity are protected regardless of their personal beliefs.”
Djokovic and Ons Jabeur on the realities of nowadays tennis
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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