Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has announced his complete departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the organization he co-established in 2020 with Canadian player Vasek Pospisil. The Serbian champion revealed his decision through a social media statement on Sunday, citing fundamental disagreements regarding the association’s operational transparency and governance standards.
Djokovic expressed particular concern about how his personal image and advocacy had been represented within the organization’s recent activities. “While I remain proud of the original vision that Vasek and I shared when establishing the PTPA to empower players with an independent voice, it has become evident that my core values and strategic approach no longer align with the organization’s current trajectory,” Djokovic stated.
The separation comes during a period of significant legal confrontation between the PTPA and tennis’s primary governing bodies. In March, the association initiated legal proceedings against the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation, and International Tennis Integrity Agency, alleging anti-competitive practices and insufficient player welfare protections. The lawsuit expanded in September to include all four Grand Slam tournament organizers.
Notably, Djokovic had previously distanced himself from certain aspects of this legal action, indicating early divergences in strategic thinking. Both the ATP and WTA had vigorously denied the allegations when initially presented.
The PTPA recently indicated progress in negotiations with Tennis Australia, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming Australian Open scheduled to commence in Melbourne on January 18. Djokovic confirmed his intention to now concentrate exclusively on his athletic career and family commitments following this organizational departure.