LONDON — The ATP has announced a temporary adjustment in its leadership, with Andrea Gaudenzi, currently serving as Chairman, taking on the role of interim Chief Executive Officer following the departure of Massimo Calvelli at the end of June. This decision comes at a challenging period for the sport, marked by recent legal and organizational tensions.
Last month, an antitrust lawsuit was initiated in a New York federal court by a players’ association led by Novak Djokovic. The lawsuit accuses the ATP, along with the women’s tennis tour and other major bodies, of operating as a cartel, suggesting a lack of competitive fairness in their governing practices.
In addition to the legal dispute, Djokovic, supported by a cohort of 20 top players, has reached out to the leaders of the four Grand Slam tournaments with a demand for an increased share of the prize money and a more significant role in decision-making processes. This move signals a push for greater equity within the sport at its most prestigious events.
Massimo Calvelli, who was brought in as the ATP’s CEO in 2020, will be stepping down after three years. During his tenure, the organization has noted progress in player earnings, emphasizing that player compensation for the current season is $100 million higher compared to figures from 2019.