Home / Sports / PTPA threatens defamation lawsuit against Andy Roddick's 'Served' podcast
PTPA threatens defamation lawsuit against Andy Roddick's 'Served' podcast
3 Aug
Summary
- PTPA sent a defamation letter to Served podcast via a top law firm.
- The letter claims reporting caused Novak Djokovic's departure.
- Legal disputes involve PTPA, Winners Alliance, and former counsel Mir.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has sent a strong warning to Andy Roddick's podcast, 'Served,' threatening a defamation lawsuit if its reporting on the organization continues. The PTPA, represented by a muscular defamation law firm, alleged in a January 7 letter that freelance reporter Tim Rohan's inquiries caused irreparable damage.
These inquiries reportedly focused on allegations of double-dealing involving PTPA co-founder Ahmad Nassar and a claimed FBI investigation into the PTPA and its financial backer, Winners Alliance. The PTPA's legal team asserted that these false claims directly precipitated Novak Djokovic's January departure from the organization.
Djokovic, in a statement released after his withdrawal, cited concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the representation of his voice and image. His exit came just days before the defamation letter was dispatched to the podcast, which has not yet published a full story.
The PTPA itself faces internal legal challenges, including a federal court case brought by its former general counsel, Wajid Syed Mir. Mir is reportedly aligned with a rival group claiming to be the true PTPA and is involved in a separate lawsuit in Washington D.C. Superior Court accusing Winners Alliance and Nassar of exploiting the PTPA.
Founded in 2019 by Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, the PTPA aimed to serve as a player advocacy group counteracting the traditional tours. However, it has struggled for legitimacy and in March 2025 filed an antitrust lawsuit against tennis's governing bodies. The legal correspondence to Served demanded a litigation hold and a meaningful opportunity to comment on any factual allegations before publication.
A representative for 'Served' declined to comment, stating the podcast is continuing its investigation. The legal team for the PTPA has also sent a separate letter to Mir, accusing him of defamation and of falsely implying to Served that the firm no longer represented the PTPA. Served's reporting to date, and comments made by Roddick, are characterized by the PTPA's counsel as stemming from alleged false claims.
