Novak Djokovic has officially severed ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the organization he co-founded, in a move that underscores growing divisions within professional tennis.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion announced his decision on X (formerly Twitter), stating that his personal values no longer align with the association’s current direction.
“This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented,” Djokovic wrote. “It has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.”
Djokovic added that he will now focus on tennis, his family, and contributing to the sport in a manner that reflects his integrity and principles.
The PTPA, founded in 2019, is an independent body representing male and female professional tennis players. It includes singles players ranked inside the top 500 and doubles players ranked inside the top 200 across the ATP and WTA tours. According to the PTPA website, the organization acts exclusively in the interests of players, offering advocacy, support services, and protection related to scheduling, legal rights, health, and welfare.
Following Djokovic’s departure, the PTPA issued a statement on social media, claiming it had been the target of a “coordinated defamation and witness intimidation campaign” linked to its ongoing litigation against the tours and Grand Slams.
“These actions have been carried out through the spreading of inaccurate and misleading narratives intended to discredit the PTPA, its staff, and its work,” the statement read.
“A federal court has already ruled this type of harassment improper and ordered it to cease. We are working closely with legal counsel, law enforcement, and players to evaluate all available options to address the spread of misinformation. These attacks from non-player third parties will not distract us from our mission: pursuing meaningful reforms for all players.”
According to a BBC report, the PTPA filed legal action in March 2025 against the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), alleging anti-competitive practices and neglect of player welfare. Djokovic had previously expressed reservations about the entirety of the PTPA’s case and now has ended his formal association with the organization.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is preparing for the new season, beginning with the Adelaide ATP event from January 12–17, leading up to his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
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