LONDON – The ATP Tour on Friday outlined a new safeguarding policy aimed at ensuring players and staff feel safe from abuse on tour and know how to report inappropriate behaviour.
In a move that mirrors the WTA’s work in women’s tennis, the ATP’s code of conduct sets out how investigations should be conducted and a range of possible sanctions, from reprimands to permanent withdrawal of entry to its tournaments.
The ATP also says it will launch training for players, coaches and staff next year.
“Everyone involved in our events – from players and their teams to staff and volunteers – deserves to feel safe, respected and valued,” CEO Eno Polo said in a statement. “This program helps make this a reality. By introducing clear protections against abuse, we are strengthening tennis culture and aligning our sport with global standards of governance and care.”
The code of conduct covers issues such as bullying, sexual harassment and violence, as well as behavior that could constitute an “abuse of trust” in a professional relationship.
It also requires players, coaches and tour staff to report any concerns about abuse and inform the ATP’s safeguarding director if they face investigations by police or social services about “any conduct that constitutes a criminal offense or a safety concern”.
The launch of the protection program on Friday brings more structure to the tour’s approach, which was previously in the spotlight when the ATP launched an investigation into German player Alexander Zverev in 2021. The ATP said in 2023 that the investigation found “insufficient evidence” to substantiate allegations of domestic violence against three-time Grand Slam runner-up Zverev, who denied wrongdoing. He settled the case in June 2024.
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