In a surprising move, Novak Djokovic announced on Sunday that he is officially cutting ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the independent players union he co-founded in 2020. Djokovic mentioned concerns over the organisation’s current path, specifically regarding transparency, governance and the representation of his personal image.
The split comes at an important moment for the PTPA. In March 2025, the association launched a major class-action lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA, accusing them of anti-competitive practices and failing to protect player welfare. While Djokovic was a primary architect of the PTPA, he was notably absent as a plaintiff in that lawsuit. In his recent statement on social media, he made it clear that the organisation’s trajectory no longer matches his own.
He stated that after careful consideration, he decided to step away completely from the organisation. He noted that the decision follows ongoing concerns regarding transparency and governance, as well as the way his voice and image have been represented. He expressed that while he was proud of the original vision he shared with co-founder Vasek Pospisil to give players a stronger voice, it became clear his values no longer aligned with the current direction.
After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association. This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2026
According to reports and the player’s own statements, several factors led to this exit, including a lack of transparency in internal decision-making and strategic disagreements over how to handle legal battles with the ATP and WTA. There were also concerns over how the PTPA utilized Djokovic’s name and likeness in their advocacy and legal filings.
The 38-year-old Serbian, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, plans to shift his full attention back to the court. He is currently preparing for the 2026 season, with his sights set on a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open. He added that he will continue to focus on his tennis, his family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect his principles.
Of course, the loss of its most influential founder is a significant blow to the PTPA. While they continue their legal battles, losing Djokovic’s star power may weaken its leverage in future negotiations with tennis authorities. What is your opinion on this? Let us know below in the comment section!
