‘My values and approach are no longer aligned’: Novak Djokovic quits PTPA union he co-founded ahead of 2026 season

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Novak Djokovic has abandoned the PTPA players union ahead of the 2026 Australian Open. (Reuters)

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic announced on Monday that he has decided to quit the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which he co-founded, due to issues with “transparency and governance” within the players’ union.

The 38-year-old Djokovic and Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil had established the breakaway PTPA in 2019. In March 2025, the organisation initiated a lawsuit against the ATP and the WTA, the primary governing bodies of tennis, alleging monopolistic behaviour and a failure to protect player health. Both the ATP and the WTA denied the claims and expressed their intent to fight the legal challenge.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, however, had maintained his distance and did not fully agree with the PTPA’s stance at the time before ending his association in full through his latest social media post.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association,” Djokovic wrote on X.

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

“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.

“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.”

After the 2025 season in which he made the semi-final at every Major and cleared the 100-title milestone, Djokovic is slated to return at the Adelaide International ahead of the 2026 Australian Open later this month.

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