Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has officially cut ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the breakaway players’ body he helped form, citing growing concerns over transparency, governance and how his image has been used.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion revealed that the organisation’s direction no longer aligns with his values, saying he now wants to focus fully on his tennis career and his family.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association,” Djokovic said in a statement. “This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.”
Djokovic co-founded the PTPA alongside Canadian player Vasek Pospisil during the 2020 US Open, with the aim of giving tennis players stronger representation in a sport where most athletes operate as independent contractors rather than unionised employees.
However, the group’s long-term ambition of creating a players’ union similar to those in major team sports has failed to take shape, with internal disagreements and legal battles clouding its future.
His exit comes months after the PTPA filed a high-profile class-action lawsuit against tennis’ major governing bodies; the ATP, WTA and other stakeholders, accusing them of anti-competitive practices and mismanagement.
While Djokovic supported the broader mission, he was not listed as an active plaintiff and previously indicated he preferred others to lead the legal fight.
In March 2025, the association escalated the standoff by accusing the ATP and WTA of monopolistic behaviour and failing to adequately protect player welfare. Both tours dismissed the claims and vowed to strongly contest the case.