Djokovic led PTPA believes players should 'remain free to play where their beliefs dictate' including Saudi Arabia

Tennis News
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 at 08:02
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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.”

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