Novak Djokovic Shockingly Leaves PTPA He Co-Founded Over Transparency Issues: “My Values and Approach Are No Longer Aligned”

Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil founded the players' union, Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), in 2021.

Novak Djokovic Shockingly Leaves PTPA He Co-Founded Over Transparency Issues: “My Values and Approach Are No Longer Aligned”

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/AllAboutHQ)

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To everyone’s surprise, Novak Djokovic announced on Sunday (January 4) that he has left the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) that he co-founded along with Canada’s Vasek Pospisil (now retired) in 2021. Djokovic was concerned about the transparency and governance.

In March last year, the PTPA sued the ATP, WTA, ITF, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), accusing them of suppressing competition, not taking care of players’ welfare, and operating as a cartel, among other things. Djokovic was not one of the plaintiffs, and he, in fact, disagreed with certain parts of the lawsuit.

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.

Novak Djokovic wrote on X

Check out his post here:

Plaintiffs named in the lawsuit were the PTPA and 12 current and former players, including 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios. As per the PTPA, their lawsuit was backed by the top 250+ ATP and WTA players, including the majority of the top 20 players.

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.

Novak Djokovic added

Men’s World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, however, said he was not at all aware of the legal action. He did not shy away from admitting that he did not support the lawsuit, even though he has often criticized the tennis schedule, which the PTPA called “unsustainable”.

Marco Panichi lauds Novak Djokovic’s strong mentality

Physical issues are stopping Novak Djokovic from giving his best because of his age, but he still possesses the same strong mentality, according to his former fitness coach, Marco Panichi. During his interview with La Repubblica, Panichi recalled Djokovic’s eagerness to learn, saying the Serbian great has an obsessive discipline.

Novak Djokovic (3)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/AllAboutHQ)

Novak was always light years ahead when it came to managing his emotions. We clicked, we developed a very strong human connection. I’ve never met anyone so curious, so eager to learn and give back.

Marco Panichi said

Djokovic’s first tournament of the 2026 season is the Adelaide International, which he won back in 2007 and 2023. After the ATP 250 event, the 24-time Grand Slam champion will shift his focus toward the Australian Open, where, apart from his historic 25th Major, he will be chasing his record-extending 11th title.

In the previous two Australian Opens, his campaigns ended in the semifinals. Djokovic lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in four sets in 2024, while last year, a hamstring injury forced him to give the walkover to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev.

Last year, Djokovic finished the season with two ATP 250 titles, the Geneva Open and the Hellenic Championship, which he won by defeating Hubert Hurkacz and Lorenzo Musetti, respectively. He made the semifinals of all Grand Slam events last year and, for the second consecutive time, missed the ATP Finals.

The last time Djokovic won a Big Title was at the 2024 Paris Olympics, by defeating Carlos Alcaraz, who was the reason why Djokovic failed to win the 2024 Wimbledon and failed to reach the 2025 US Open final. The last time he won a Major was at the 2023 US Open, by defeating Daniil Medvedev.

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