Novak Djokovic has decided to leave the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an organisation he had co-founded for tennis players. His decision comes just days before the Australian Open 2026, where the Serbian star will be aiming to win his 25th Grand Slam title.
Why did Djokovic decide to step away?
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Djokovic said the move was driven by concerns over how his voice and image were being represented. The PTPA was formed in 2021 by Djokovic and Canadian player Vasek Pospisil to represent tennis players, who work as independent contractors in a largely individual sport.
“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 wrote on X.
Adding to it he mentioned that, “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”.
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.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2026
One of the main aims of the PTPA was to function like a players’ union, similar to those in team sports, and negotiate agreements on behalf of players. Djokovic said he was unhappy with how the organisation was being run and remained concerned about the way his views and image were being used.
PTPA’s anti-competitive lawsuit
In March, the PTPA launched legal action against tennis’s governing bodies, including the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Integrity Agency, accusing them of anti-competitive practices and failing to protect player welfare. The organisers of the four Grand Slam tournaments were added to the case in September, according to a report by Reuters.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had said at the time that he did not agree with all aspects of the lawsuit, while both the ATP and WTA strongly denied the allegations.
In November, the PTPA said it was close to reaching a deal with Tennis Australia, which is currently preparing for the Australian Open. The tournament begins in Melbourne on January 18 and marks the start of the new Grand Slam season.
