Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has publicly announced his departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the organisation he helped establish in 2020.
A Founding Vision Diverges
In a statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday, Djokovic declared that "my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organisation." The Serbian star co-founded the PTPA alongside retired Canadian player Vasek Pospisil during the 2020 US Open. Their stated aim was to provide independent representation for professional tennis players, who operate as individual contractors within the sport.
The long-term ambition was to evolve the PTPA into a fully-fledged union capable of negotiating collective bargaining agreements, similar to those seen in major team sports. However, this significant shift in player representation has yet to materialise.
Transparency and Governance Concerns Cited
Djokovic elaborated on his decision to leave, expressing "ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented." This split comes after a period of heightened activity for the PTPA, which took major legal action earlier this year.
In March, the association filed a class-action lawsuit against the sport's leading bodies. The legal action targeted the ATP and WTA tours, the International Tennis Federation, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency. The lawsuit accused these organisations of "systemic abuse, anti-competitive practices, and a blatant disregard for player welfare." The four Grand Slam tournaments were later added as defendants in the case.
Djokovic Steps Back as Legal Battle Proceeds
Notably, Djokovic was not named as a plaintiff when the lawsuit was filed; Pospisil and other players were listed instead. At the time, Djokovic explained his absence from the plaintiff list by stating he wanted "other players to step up." The core argument of the legal challenge is that the governing bodies restrict player earnings by capping prize money at tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, and by limiting off-court commercial opportunities.
Concluding his statement, Djokovic indicated a desire to move on, saying: "I will continue to focus on my tennis, my family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect my principles and integrity. I wish the players and those involved the best as they move forward, but for me, this chapter is now closed." His departure marks a significant moment for the PTPA, which now continues its advocacy and legal fight without its most famous founding member.
