Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has formally introduced his departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the group he co-founded with Vasek Pospisil in 2021.
The 38-year-old Serbian star cited ongoing issues about transparency, governance, and the illustration of his private voice and picture as central causes for stepping away.
Background on the PTPA and Legal Action
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
The PTPA was launched as a breakaway gamers’ union designed to present tennis professionals extra autonomy and affect over the game.
In March 2025, the group filed authorized motion towards tennis’ governing our bodies, together with the ATP and WTA, alleging anti-competitive practices and neglect of participant welfare.
According to the BBC, the lawsuit addressed points such because the demanding tour schedule, invasive system searches, random night-time drug exams carried out by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), and alleged collusion between excursions and tournaments that might restrict competitors and prize cash.
Djokovic’s PTPA Departure
Though Djokovic initially supported the PTPA, he clarified that he didn’t absolutely endorse the group’s authorized technique. The 24-time Grand Slam winner stated that he would proceed to concentrate on tennis, his household, and the game that can replicate his integrity and ideas.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association,” Djokovic stated in a press release posted on X. “While I am proud of the vision Vasek and I shared to give players a stronger, independent voice, my values and approach no longer align with the organization’s direction.”
After cautious consideration, I’ve determined to step away utterly from the Professional Tennis Players Association. This choice comes after ongoing issues concerning transparency, governance, and the way in which my voice and picture have been represented.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2026
The authorized motion concerned 12 gamers, together with co-founder Vasek Pospisil and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios. While the group claimed to signify the broader participant inhabitants, not all top-ranked athletes supported the initiative.
Current world primary Carlos Alcaraz, for example, criticized the hectic tour schedule however explicitly declined to again the lawsuit.
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