Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has officially ended his association with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the organization he co-founded in 2020. The 24-time Grand Slam champion shared the news on social media, explaining that his personal principles and vision no longer match the current direction of the players’ group. Djokovic stated that while his intentions for the association were rooted in unity and player empowerment, ongoing concerns around transparency, governance, and the use of his voice and image led him to make the decision to step aside.
The PTPA was launched during the 2020 US Open by Djokovic alongside former Canadian professional Vasek Pospisil. The goal was to provide independent representation for tennis players, who largely operate as individual contractors rather than members of a traditional union. From the beginning, the association aimed to give players a stronger collective voice and, eventually, to pursue structures similar to collective bargaining systems seen in team sports. However, such arrangements have not yet materialised in professional tennis.
In March last year, the PTPA filed a high-profile class-action lawsuit against the men’s and women’s tours, the International Tennis Federation, and the sport’s integrity body. The lawsuit accused tennis authorities of long-standing anti-competitive behaviour and neglect of player welfare. The four Grand Slam tournaments were later added as defendants, with the suit arguing that prize money limits and commercial restrictions prevent players from earning a fair share of the sport’s revenues. Djokovic was notably not named as a plaintiff, explaining at the time that he wanted other players to take the lead.
Announcing his departure, Djokovic emphasized that he will now concentrate on his professional career, family life, and contributing to tennis in ways that align with his values and integrity. While wishing the PTPA and its members success in the future, he made it clear that his involvement with the organization has come to an end, closing a significant chapter in his off-court legacy.