“My values are no longer aligned”: Novak Djokovic officially steps away from the PTPA he co-founded
ATPMonday, 05 January 2026 at 09:00
Novak Djokovic has announced his departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) — an organisation he founded alongside Vasek Pospisil back in 2025. The 24-time Grand Slam champion cited “ongoing concerns regarding transparency,” while reiterating his respect for the original vision behind the project.
The PTPA was originally formed in August 2020, with Djokovic as its leading figure and most visible voice, joining forces with Canadian Vasek Pospisil in an effort to provide legal representation, support in negotiations, and a direct voice for players.
The association was created with a player-first approach, focusing on fairness, transparency, and the protection of players’ rights — particularly those lower down the rankings. The announcement generated divisions within the tennis world, with ATP and ITF executives expressing concerns about the potential fragmentation the association could cause.
However, Djokovic had long served as the public defender of the PTPA, insisting it was not intended to confront the ATP, WTA, ITF, or Grand Slam organisations, but rather to complement them by offering a more inclusive platform for all players. The PTPA attracted interest from more than 500 professional players seeking direct representation from figures within the Tour.
“This chapter is now closed”: Novak Djokovic steps away from the PTPA
The first Player Executive Committee was led by Djokovic and Pospisil themselves, alongside several prominent players from both the men’s and women’s tours, including Paula Badosa, Ons Jabeur, and Hubert Hurkacz, among others. From the outset, Djokovic was one of the strongest advocates for the PTPA’s importance in defending players’ interests — but that chapter came to an end at the start of the 2026 season.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association,” Djokovic stated on social media. “This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.”
“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 organisation,” the former world No. 1 added, reiterating his commitment to contributing to the sport in his own way.
“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.”
Further details surrounding the specific issues that led Djokovic to this decision are still expected to emerge. Meanwhile, the Serbian is just days away from beginning his season at the upcoming Adelaide International, where he will compete as the top seed in his first warm-up tournament ahead of the Australian Open — where he will look to extend his record of 10 titles in Melbourne and 24 Grand Slam crowns overall.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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