A class action suit has been brought against American tennis star John McEnroe by employees seeking unpaid overtime compensation, damages and fees.
John McEnroe
An employee at McEnroe's New York tennis academy, Jose Magalhaes, is suing the former Wimbledon champion, his brother Mark and several managers, as well as the company itself.
Mr Magalhaes claims that he was exploited by the company, because he was not given a proper contract or payslip and was not paid overtime for working more than 40 hours a week.
Magalhaes, who worked at the centre in New York for three years between March 2011 and June 2014, launched the class action suit on Monday on behalf of up to 50 other employees, seeking a trial by jury.
Furthermore, Magalhaes and the other complainants allege that McEnroe's company "knowingly paid the Plaintiffs and the Class less than the New York State minimum wage."
Mr Magalhaes's lawyer, Marcus Monteiro, told the New York Post: ""It wasn't a glamorous job, but he had an essential role there.
"We have to hold people responsible so that us New Yorkers who work hard and take care of our families are compensated properly."
Mr Magalhaes worked at McEnroe's flagship $18 million centre in New York City, part of a network of facilities which McEnroe, 56, founded in 2010. The tennis star's net worth is estimated at $46 million, earned from 77 singles titles during his career, as well as endorsement deals and a contract as a BBC commentator.