\n<\/p>\n
The Professional Tennis Players’ Association, which was co-founded by Djokovic to increase player power, introduced a scheme in January which offers free support from two prominent law firms.<\/p>\n
The number of legal hours provided is limited, and there will be restraints too on what the ITIA will be able to offer.<\/p>\n
There is already pro-bono legal support offered to players who test positive by Sport Resolutions – an independent dispute resolution company.<\/p>\n
This will now be open to players from the moment they test positive, rather than when they are charged, but long-term support is dependent on finding lawyers who are prepared to work for free.<\/p>\n
Up to $5,000 (\u00a33,730) worth of assistance will be available to those who wish to use a Wada-accredited laboratory to prepare a case.<\/p>\n
Individuals will also be able to sign up for six sessions at Sporting Chance, the mental health organisation set up to support professional athletes.<\/p>\n
“Anyone who finds themselves part of either an anti-doping or anti-corruption investigation deserves the opportunity to defend or explain themselves, and we recognise the process can come at both a financial and emotional cost,” ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse said.<\/p>\n
“No player picks up a tennis racquet as a child with any motivation other than playing the game.<\/p>\n
“Individuals find themselves in these situations for a lot of reasons, and so no matter what those reasons are, and where the case ends up, they also deserve someone to talk to.”<\/p>\n
The trial will be reviewed at the end of 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n