Novak Djokovic cuts ties with PTPA amid transparency and governance concerns
Novak Djokovic, who co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), has decided to step away from the players' union owing to multiple concerns.
Novak Djokovic, the most successful male player in tennis history, has confirmed he has severed all ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). Djokovic co-founded the PTPA, a breakaway player union, in 2021 alongside Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil.
The duo formed the player union after agreeing that there were several shortcomings in how the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) protected the interests of the tennis players around the world. The PTPA was formed by Djokovic and Pospisil with a vision to bring fairness and transparency in decision-making in professional tennis.
However, on Monday, Djokovic, 38 confirmed that he no longer aligns with the current working style of the PTPA and has thus decided to cut ties with the association. The 24-time Grand Slam champion cited concerns regarding governance and transparency as the reason behind him deciding to step away from the organisation.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association," Djokovic wrote on X.
"This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented. I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice - but it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organisation.
"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," he added.
PTPA launched legal action against ATP and WTA in March 2025
Djokovic's decision comes months after the Professional Tennis Players Association initiated legal action against tennis' governing bodies, ATP and WTA, over "anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare". The lawsuit was filed in March last year after complaints from 12 players, including Pospisil and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.
In the lawsuit, PTPA claimed that the ATP and WTA tour schedules were "unsustainable". The organisation also complained about "invasive searches" of personal devices by the tennis governing bodies and random drug tests of players at the middle of the night.
Despite being one of the founding members of the PTPA, Djokovic distanced himself from the legal action launched by the association, stating that he didn't entirely agree with all their claims in the lawsuit. Djokovic's arch-rival and current world No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz, agreed with the criticism of the scheduling but didn't endorse the legal action initiated by the PTPA.
Meanwhile, both WTA and ATP denied the allegations made by the PTPA in the lawsuit and said they will defend their position.