Novak Djokovic has announced that he is stepping away entirely from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the breakaway union he co-founded, citing concerns over transparency, governance, and representation.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion made the announcement on X on Monday, formally ending his association with the organisation he launched in 2021 alongside Canadian player Vasek Pospisil.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association,” Djokovic wrote. “This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.”
While Djokovic expressed pride in the original vision of the PTPA, to give professional players a stronger, independent voice, he acknowledged that his values no longer align with the organisation’s current direction.
“I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA,” he said. “But it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organisation.”
Djokovic said he will now focus on tennis, family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect his principles.
The PTPA was created as an alternative to traditional tennis governance and positions itself as an advocate for player welfare. In March last year, it launched legal action against the ATP, WTA, and other governing bodies, alleging anti-competitive practices and a disregard for player interests.
Both the ATP and WTA rejected the claims and vowed to defend their positions. Djokovic had previously distanced himself from the lawsuit, saying he did not agree with all aspects of the case, a stance that has now culminated in his full withdrawal from the association.
Following his announcement, the PTPA said it had been the target of a “coordinated defamation and witness intimidation campaign” related to its litigation and noted that a federal court had already ordered such conduct to cease.
The PTPA’s legal complaint calls for reforms to what it describes as an unsustainable tournament schedule, invasive anti-doping practices by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, and alleged collusion that suppresses competition between tournaments and limits prize money.
