Novak Djokovic finally returned to ATP Masters 1000 action at the Italian Open in Rome amid growing discussions surrounding player welfare and Grand Slam prize money distribution. Alongside top stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jannik Sinner, Djokovic has also been involved in the ongoing controversy surrounding tennis governing bodies over players rights and earnings.
Novak Djokovic said he was unfairly portrayed as greedy
During a press conference on Thursday, Djokovic addressed the issue after being asked about the challenges players face despite tennis being a globally followed sport. Djokovic spoke about his past comments regarding lower-ranked players and prize money, and how he had often been misrepresented by the media. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he was unfairly portrayed as greedy whenever he spoke about improving financial conditions for players across the tour.
“In the past what I notice is many times people would twist particularly my words and say I’m requesting myself for more money, even when I was winning slams.” Novak Djokovic said in the recent press conference at the Italian Open.
Djokovic further said, “You guys like to put headlines of the Grand Slam winner gets so-and-so, never more in history.”
Djokovic backs Aryna Sabalenka on Grand Slam prize money
However, Novak Djokovic backs Aryna Sabalenka on Grand Slam prize money issue. The 38-year-old has long been outspoken about the inequalities within professional tennis. During the press conference, he refelcted on the formation of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) six years ago and his role as its president in raising concerns over player welfare and Grand Slam policies.
“I’m glad that there is willingness from the leaders of our sport, like Aryna Sabalenka, to really step up and really understand the dynamics of how the tennis politics works and understand the nuances and really what needs to be done not only for her benefit and well-being, but for everyone.” – Djokovic said.
Djokovic continues to support younger generation
The Serbian Tennis star also clarified that while he continues to support the younger generation of players, he has mostly stayed away from all the discussions surrounding the ongoing prize money and welfare controversy..
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Djokovic further admitted that his main focus is to build rhythm ahead of French Open and play solid tennis without putting excessive pressure on himself. The 40-time ATP Masters 1000 champion received a first-round bye at the Italian Open and is set to face Dino Prižmić in the Round of 64 in his first clay-court match of the 2026 season.
Also Read: Top Tennis Players Demand Higher Revenue Share Ahead Of French Open
