PTPA Backs Tara Moore’s Legal Fight Against WTA
The breakaway players’ union, currently engaged in lawsuits against various tours and grand slam tournaments, has expressed its support for Tara Moore’s legal battle against the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), which amounts to $20 million (£14.7 million). This adds a new dimension to the ongoing disputes within professional tennis.
Moore, a former British No. 1 doubles player, has initiated a negligence lawsuit against the WTA after receiving a four-year suspension for doping. This week, she retained the legal services of King & Spalding, the official legal partner of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA).
PTPA’s Ongoing Legal Challenges
Previously, the PTPA lodged a legal case against both the WTA and the men’s Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), as well as three grand slam tournaments. They accused these entities of working together to diminish prize money and of imposing an unfair ranking system. Moore has filed her claim in the same federal court in New York.
Union’s Support for Moore
The PTPA, founded by Novak Djokovic six years ago but recently left by him, is in the midst of a $1 billion investment round aimed at creating a new global tour, which poses a potential challenge to both the WTA and ATP. Sources from the PTPA indicated that while they are not covering Moore’s legal fees, they fully support her, and it is understood that King & Spalding is providing pro bono services.
Moore’s Suspension and Claims
Moore’s troubles started in June 2022 when she tested positive for banned substances at a tournament in Bogotá. Although an independent tribunal later exonerated her, stating that contaminated meat was likely responsible, an appeal by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) led to the reinstatement of her four-year ban in July 2025.
Legal Allegations Against WTA and ITIA
In her lawsuit, Moore argues that the WTA failed to adequately inform players about the risks of contamination from contaminated meat before the Colombian tournament. She is seeking $20 million in damages for what she describes as reputational and financial ruin, claiming the WTA neglected its duty of care toward athletes.
Response from WTA and Future Proceedings
A WTA spokesperson acknowledged awareness of Moore’s filing and indicated a forthcoming legal response, emphasizing that the arbitration was conducted impartially. The ITIA has not yet commented on the matter. A source familiar with the situation stated that the treatment Moore received was unjust, highlighting perceived discrepancies in how different players are treated.
