Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has announced his complete withdrawal from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an independent advocacy group he co-founded in 2020 alongside Canadian player Vasek Pospisil.
In a statement posted on social media, Djokovic explained that the decision stemmed from ongoing concerns over transparency, governance, and the manner in which his voice and image had been represented within the organization.
He expressed pride in the original vision he shared with Pospisil—to provide professional tennis players, particularly those ranked lower, with a stronger and more independent platform to address issues amid longstanding disputes with the ATP Tour.
The PTPA was established during a period of tension in men’s tennis, as Djokovic and others sought to give players greater influence outside the structures controlled by the ATP and other governing bodies.
Its goals included advocating for fairer prize money distribution, improved scheduling to reduce player burnout, and better protections against invasive anti-doping procedures. However, recent developments within the organization have led to a divergence from Djokovic’s core principles.
Notably, in March 2025, the PTPA initiated a major antitrust class-action lawsuit against key tennis entities, including the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation, and anti-doping authorities, accusing them of anti-competitive practices and neglecting player welfare.
The four Grand Slam organizers were later added as defendants. Djokovic, who was not a named plaintiff in the case, had publicly stated earlier that he did not fully agree with all aspects of the lawsuit, highlighting emerging differences in approach.
This withdrawal represents a significant turning point for the PTPA, coming at a time when the group is deeply engaged in these high-stakes legal battles aimed at driving structural reforms in the sport.
In response to Djokovic’s announcement, the PTPA issued a statement suggesting that external pressures, including alleged coordinated efforts to spread misinformation about its governance, may have influenced the situation, though it reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing changes on behalf of players.
For Djokovic, the move allows him to redirect his focus toward his competitive career, family, and other contributions to tennis that align more closely with his personal values, as he prepares for the 2026 season starting with the Australian Open.