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Novak Djokovic exits the Professional Tennis Players Association, citing transparency and governance problems in a major change for tennis player representation.
Novak Djokovic eacts after a point against US’ Taylor Fritz during the Six Kings Slam (Picture credit: AFP)
24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, on Monday, parted ways with the Professional Tennis Players’ Association, citing concerns regarding transparency and governance within the union, with just a few days into the 2026 season.
Djokovic, now 38, co-founded the breakaway players’ union with Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil five years ago.
In March last year, the PTPA initiated legal proceedings against tennis’ governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA Tours, alleging anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare.
Both the ATP and WTA rejected the accusations, stating that they would defend their positions.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association,” Djokovic tweeted in the wee hours of Monday.
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 (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2026
“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,” Djokovic wrote.
The PTPA said that it aimed to end what it described as an ‘unsustainable’ schedule and to halt ‘invasive searches of personal devices and random middle-of-the-night drug tests’ held by the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
The legal action also alleged collusion between the tours and tournaments, claiming it suppresses competition among events and could limit prize money.
The complaint was filed by the PTPA and 12 players, including co-founder Pospisil and Australia’s former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, who said that they were acting ‘on behalf of the entire player population’.
However, current world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who was quoted in the lawsuit criticising the hectic schedule, said that he didn’t support the legal action.
January 05, 2026, 07:38 IST
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