Novak Djokovic rejected claims he was “greedy” and denied he had called for a boycott of next year’s Australian Open in pursuit of greater prize money.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion termed reports that he had suggested drastic measures to increase the players’ share of tournament revenue as “exaggerated”.

The Serb, 30, also denied reports he had taken a lawyer to the compulsory annual players’ meeting in Melbourne.

“We, players, wanted to have us players talk about certain topics,” he said.

“I don’t think there is anything unhealthy about that.”

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The former world number one told a news conference: “I saw that you’ve portrayed me as someone who is very greedy, asks for more money and wants to boycott.

“I respect your freedom and decisions to do that, but not much of what you have written is true.”

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) was formed to represent players in 1972, and since 1990 has organised the men’s world tour.

The four Grand Slam tournaments are independent of the ATP and have made substantial increases in prize money in recent years.

“ATP is an association of players and tournaments,” said Djokovic, who returned to competitive action after a six-month injury lay-off with victory over Donald Young at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

“It has worked like that for the last 40-plus years in this kind of harmony, so to say.

“It’s not easy because a lot of times there’s a conflict of interest. But everybody is trying to do their best.”

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