Novak Djokovic vs PTPA: Why the 24-time Slam champ walked away from his own union

Novak Djokovic is cutting ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association, a group he co-founded that sued the sport’s governing bodies last year, writing on social media that “my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organisation.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion announced his departure in a statement late Sunday, citing "ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented."

Djokovic, currently the world’s No. 4-ranked player, launched the PTPA alongside now-retired Canadian player Vasek Pospisil during the 2020 U.S. Open. The organisation was designed to provide an independent voice for professional players outside the traditional structure of the ATP and WTA tours.

The move comes at a tumultuous time for the PTPA. In March 2025, the association filed a sweeping class-action lawsuit against the men’s and women’s tours, the International Tennis Federation, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency. The suit alleged "systemic abuse" and "anti-competitive practices" regarding prize money and player scheduling.

While the PTPA has been the primary advocate for the lawsuit, Djokovic was notably absent from the list of plaintiffs when it was filed. At the time, Djokovic said he wanted "other players to step up," but Sunday’s statement suggests a deeper rift between the superstar and the organisation’s executive leadership.

“I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice,” Djokovic wrote. “But for me, this chapter is now closed.”

The 38-year-old Serbian is currently in Australia preparing for the 2026 season. He is scheduled to play in an ATP event in Adelaide beginning Jan. 12 before seeking a record-extending 11th title at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Officials for the PTPA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Both the ATP and WTA have previously rejected the allegations in the PTPA’s lawsuit and declined to comment on Djokovic's personal decision to leave the group.