Fans Make Mockery of PTPA After Novak Djokovic’s Shock Exit – “Goes from Useless to Being Even More Useless”

Novak Djokovic on Sunday (January 4) took to X to announce that he will no longer be a part of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). This came as a complete surprise because it was Djokovic who co-founded the players’ union back in 2021, along with Canada’s now-retired Vasek Pospisil.

Djokovic said the reason behind his exit was problems regarding transparency, governance, and “the way my voice and image have been represented.” The Serb was not named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit the PTPA and 12 current and former players filed back in March last year against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). They later added the four Grand Slam events as defendants.

Djokovic, in a press conference during the Miami Open, made it clear that he did not agree with everything that was mentioned in the lawsuit. He even found certain wordings “quite strong”.

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.

Novak Djokovic wrote on X while announcing his exit from PTPA

The PTPA accused the governing tennis bodies of running like a cartel and suppressing competition, and hindering the players from earning more money off the court. The ATP and the WTA strongly objected to the accusations.

Fans slam PTPA after Novak Djokovic steps away from the union

When Novak Djokovic announced his decision on X, as expected, it went viral. Some fans mocked the PTPA, saying Djokovic’s exit has made the players’ union even more useless.

Check out their reactions here:

every player who put their names on this should be embarrassed

— roamlive (@roamlivetravel) January 4, 2026

Oh no, the PTPA goes from being useless to being even more useless

— amy (@amyampaire) January 4, 2026

That went fast. I was always skeptical that PTPA had much of a case to start with.

— Arch+Morality (@archmorality) January 4, 2026

About time – PTPA is BS anyway. Good on Djokovic for choosing his dignity.

— Imm Rathbone (@immificus) January 5, 2026

This is a massive screw up for the PTPA. They couldn’t have picked a worse person to lose than Novak. That’s what liberals do to any organization.

— Richard Perry (@PerryPer10254) January 5, 2026

LOL PTPA was always a joke

— Jess Lexia (@wtatpwoodspoon) January 4, 2026

PTPA was unnecessary from the start. Djoker finally realized the uphill battle wasn’t worth it.

— mrshaggy_14 (@mrshaggy_14) January 4, 2026

The PTPA needs Novak

Novak doesn't need the PTPA

— Rajat Soni, CFA (@Rajatsoni) January 5, 2026

Djokovic will be starting his campaign for the 2026 season at the Adelaide International. He won titles here back in 2007 and 2023.

Anna Chakvetadze compares Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz rivalry to the one Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic had

Former World No.5 Anna Chakvetadze has identified what the Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz rivalry is missing. During her interview with Tennis365, the Russian said Sinner and Alcaraz need a third guy like Djokovic, who disrupted the Roger Federer–Rafael Nadal dominance.

I think everyone can see how determined both Alcaraz and Sinner are. Right now, they clearly have a real rivalry, very similar in feeling to what we once saw between Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.

Many back Joao Fonseca to join Alcaraz and Sinner to make another Big 3 of tennis. The Brazilian ace, however, has yet to face Alcaraz or Sinner in an official event. Last year, at an exhibition event in Miami, the Spaniard defeated the 19-year-old in three sets.

At the moment, it almost feels like something is missing — a strong third player in that battle. Maybe a third contender will emerge next season, but for now, in terms of level and consistency, Alcaraz and Sinner are clearly ahead of the rest.

Anna Chakvetadze added

Djokovic is struggling to not only win Grand Slam titles but also defeat Sinner or Alcaraz, as the duo was the reason why Nole failed to reach the finals of three Majors last year. The 38-year-old lost to the World No.2 in the French Open and Wimbledon semifinals, and Alcaraz knocked him out in the semifinal of the US Open.

Djokovic last won a Major at the 2023 US Open, and since then, he has made just the Wimbledon final in 2024, losing that match to the six-time Grand Slam champion. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, in fact, was the last man other than the top two players to win a Major (2023 US Open).

Since that win, Alcaraz and Sinner have taken home the Majors. Sinner, in fact, reached four Grand Slam finals this year, and in three Majors, he faced Alcaraz. Sinner and Alcaraz will next be seen in action in Incheon, South Korea, for an exhibition event.

Also read: Belinda Bencic Sides with Iga Swiatek, Considers ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match as ‘Something Else’