Aussie Open near deal to settle players' antitrust lawsuit
Case against WTA, ATP, Wimbledon, French and US Opens, would remain
The Australian Open is close to a deal with the group of players suing the major bodies in the pro tennis industry, which would represent the first mark of progress since the wide ranging antitrust lawsuit was filed in March.
Details of the possible settlement between the Open’s parent, Tennis Australia, and the plaintiffs, which include the Professional Tennis Players Association, are not clear. But lawyers for the plaintiffs in a letter this morning to the New York federal court overseeing the case, write, “Plaintiffs and Tennis Australia are engaged in substantive and productive bi-lateral settlement discussions and believe that a settlement as to Plaintiffs’ claims against Tennis Australia is likely in the near future. Accordingly, Plaintiffs and Tennis Australia respectfully request that this Court enter an order staying all proceedings and deadlines in the case that pertain to Tennis Australia while the parties finalize their agreement.”
The case against the ATP Tour, the WTA Tour, and the other three Grand Slams remain, with the Slams scheduled to file their responses to the litigation next month.
The litigation seeks more prize money; a reform of player scheduling, commitments, and oversight; but no financial damages. Tennis Australia operates many of the events leading up to the Australian Open in January, and of course controls prize money at the so-called happy Slam.
The case has been viewed skeptically by many within tennis, not the least because no major player has signed on, including PTPA co-founder Novak Djokovic. Depending on what a settlement with TA entails, that sentiment might change.
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