LONDON (AP) — The ATP Tour introduced a new safeguarding policy Friday that aims to ensure players and staff feel safe from abuse on tour and know how to report inappropriate behavior.
In a movement that reflects work carried out by the WTA In women’s tennis, the ATP Code of Conduct sets out how investigations should be conducted and a range of potential sanctions, ranging from reprimands to permanent revocation of access to its tournaments.
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The ATP also says it will launch training for players, coaches and staff throughout next year.
“Everyone involved in our events – from players and their teams to staff and volunteers – deserve to feel safe, respected and valued,” general manager Eno Polo said in a statement. “This program helps make that a reality. By introducing clear protections against abuse, we are strengthening the culture of tennis and aligning our sport with global standards of governance and care.”
The code of conduct covers areas such as harassment, sexual harassment and violence, as well as behavior that could constitute a “breach of trust” in a professional relationship.
It also urges players, coaches and tour staff to report any concerns about abusive behavior and to inform the ATP’s director of safeguarding if they are the subject of police or social services investigations relating to “any behavior constituting either a criminal offense or a safeguarding issue”.
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Friday’s launch of the backup program brings more structure to the approach to the tour, which was previously in the spotlight when the ATP ordered a investigation in 2021 against German player Alexander Zverev. The ATP said in 2023 that the investigation had found “insufficient evidence” to support allegations of domestic violence against Zverev, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, who has denied any wrongdoing.
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AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
