Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic has announced that he has “stepped away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association” (PTPA), which he co-founded, due to concerns regarding “ongoing transparency and governance.”
Djokovic, along with Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil, established the PTPA as a not-for-profit entity to ensure that players have a unified and independent voice in shaping the future of professional tennis.
“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 shared on X.
“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,” his post continued.
“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.
In March 2025, the PTPA, along with over a dozen players, initiated a series of legal actions against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA, aiming to reform professional tennis and alleging multiple antitrust violations.
The lawsuit contends that players should gain access to greater earnings, arguing that the governing bodies of the four Grand Slam tournaments—Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open—along with other professional events, restrict prize money and limit players’ opportunities to earn off the court.
Both the ATP and WTA have strongly rejected the accusations, stating that they will defend their position.