News | Djokovic Abruptly Announces Withdrawal from PTPA: Values No Longer Align with Association’s Direction

On January 5th Beijing time, Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic declared via his personal social media that he is stepping down from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). This group was co-founded by him and Vasek Pospisil in 2019 and formally launched at the 2020 US Open during the pandemic. Early members also featured Mattek, Isner, Jabeur, Hurkacz, Badosa, and Zheng Saisai.

Novak Djokovic

“After careful reflection, I have decided to completely withdraw from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). This decision stems from longstanding concerns regarding the association’s transparency, management, and the way my views and image have been portrayed. Vasek (Pospisil) and I founded the PTPA with the original intention of creating a stronger, independent voice for players, a purpose I have always been proud of. However, it has become clear that my values and approach no longer align with the current direction of the association. I will continue to focus on my tennis career and family life, contributing to the sport in a way that aligns with my principles and original intentions. I wish all players and those involved the best for the future; for me, this chapter now closes,” Djokovic wrote.

One of the co-founders, Pospisil, stated at the PTPA’s inception that the association was never intended to oppose or disrupt the tennis world’s order, nor to create conflicts on or off the tour. Their aim was simply to unify players and amplify their voices. Over the past six years, the PTPA has concentrated on advocating for player rights and reforming tennis governance, making progress in areas such as improving scheduling and prize distribution, establishing player welfare systems, and providing free professional legal defense and support for players facing injustice (the ACE advocacy program).

In March last year, the PTPA filed an antitrust lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency). Djokovic did not sign the joint letter at that time and publicly expressed disagreement with some of the organization’s actions, revealing early signs of value differences between him and the association. The lawsuit ultimately ended in favor of the PTPA, with the ATP being ordered not to retaliate against players involved in the collective lawsuit or threaten those considering joining it.

Djokovic’s statement

However, at a forum last October, Djokovic still expressed admiration for the PTPA. “My upbringing taught me to stand up when witnessing injustice. For decades, tennis has been dominated by a massive monopoly system. We had no players’ union, so I created the PTPA. Yet, we still haven’t truly entered the decision-making process; we have no seat at the table when rules are made. This is the current external environment and power structure of our sport.”

“I always hope to be involved in reforms that make tennis better, using my personal influence to improve the sport. I don’t mind if that means offending powerful figures. I love tennis; it has given me everything, so I want to give back to it, both on and off the court, without fear or regret even if opposed.”

“My motivation is pure, and I know I’m doing something that inspires myself. Because as long as you live, you want to make the world a better place in your own way.” Announcing this decision at the start of the new season is a result of Djokovic’s careful consideration. He will begin his campaign this year at the Australian Open. The PTPA has not yet issued any response.

(Text & Editing: Dato, Photo: Li Jianyi)