In a surprising move on January 4, 2026, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion and co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), announced his full withdrawal from the organization he helped establish.
This comes at a time when, last March, the PTPA filed a landmark lawsuit against tennis’ governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA, accusing them of “systemic abuse, anti-competitive practices, and a blatant disregard for player welfare.” Djokovic, however, reportedly disagreed with aspects of the lawsuit, which were strongly refuted by the ATP and WTA.
On X, Djokovic explained;
“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.”
Djokovic, who co-founded the PTPA with Vasek Pospisil to champion players’ rights, added
, “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 organization.
The PTPA, created in 2020 during the COVID-disrupted U.S. Open, aimed to address conflicts of interest in men’s tennis and advocate for transparency, fair revenue sharing, and player welfare.
However, recent controversies, including a high-profile antitrust lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA, exposed internal divisions.
Djokovic concluded his X thread by 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 leaves the PTPA without its most prominent figure, potentially weakening its influence in ongoing legal battles and signaling a shift in the landscape of player advocacy in tennis.
