Novak Djokovic shockingly steps away from PTPA which he co-founded

Sunday, 04 January 2026 at 20:58

byErik Virostko

Novak Djokovic co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) in 2019 together with Vasek Pospisil, but he has now stepped away from the association.

Djokovic has been one of the loudest voices on the ATP Tour and in tennis. The Serbian legend is one of the players who don't want to only play tennis, but also change the conditions for the upcoming generations for the better.

That was one of the reasons why he co-founded the PTPA back in 2019. He and Pospisil created an association intended to represent all tennis players and their voices.

However, since its founding, despite its efforts to change the world of tennis for the better, the PTPA has come under scrutiny multiple times, with some former players and pundits questioning whether it has meaningfully contributed since its launch.

The association was probably most active during recent doping cases. The most shocking move came in March 2025, when the PTPA launched a lawsuit against the ATP and the WTA. That move became even more surprising when Djokovic, as one of the co-founders, admitted he disagreed with some aspects of the lawsuit.

Now, less than nine months later, Djokovic announced that he will no longer associate himself with the Professional Tennis Players Association because of particular concerns regarding the association. The 24-time major winner announced his stepping away through a post on social media.

"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."

"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."

"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."

It will be interesting to see whether Djokovic's decision proves to be the final nail in the coffin for the PTPA, as he has been the most prominent name in the association. It's also probable that some other players might follow his move.

Djokovic will also want to focus purely on his tennis in the last years of his career. He is still chasing his 25th major title, with his next chance coming at the upcoming Australian Open. Djokovic will be among the favorites in Melbourne, entering the event as the fourth seed.