By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, January 4, 2026
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport
Novak Djokovic opens the New Year bidding farewell to the PTPA.
Grand Slam king Djokovic announced he has left the Professional Tennis Players Association he co-founded with Vasek Pospisil because “it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.”
In a statement posted on X, the Serbian superstar also said he does not appreciate how his “voice and image have been represented” by the PTPA.
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 organization.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2026
Former No. 1 Djokovic and Pospisil founded the Professional Tennis Players Association in an effort to give players a greater voice in pro tennis.
Djokovic has long said the ATP does not truly represent player interests, has asserted tennis players need a real union and should earn a greater piece of revenue from tournaments, particularly the Grand Slams.
“I’ve been saying this quite a lot in the media in the last several years. But based on some studies and research that was done about the popularity of the sports tennis is actually the third or fourth most popular sport on the planet,” Djokovic told the media in a past press conference. “I think we’re sharing the third spot with cricket. Number one is obviously football, or soccer, as you call it, [then] basketball, and it was followed by more than almost 2 billion people.
“And tennis and cricket is 1.3 billion people, but in terms of maximizing its potential, and commercial value, we are number nine, or ten. So, so there’s huge [potential]…
“Common Ground and a common direction that would be satisfying or win-win for everyone. Problem is that there is a monopoly in place as well that has been there for decades, and it’s hard to break it, and players are oftentimes getting a shorter end of the stick, and I think it’s right for any player, really, to speak up on this issue.
“So I think I’m towards the end of my career, and a lot of the people have always been relying on me to say something about this matter, as I’m doing right now, and I don’t mind talking about it, but I would like to see the current leaders of the respective tours and the future generations that are going to lead this sport for the next decades, to take a lead, and to understand that these issues, these topics, these subjects, are important for them and for the players, and not just for them, but also for the other players that they are representing.”
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.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2026
Now, the former ATP Player Council President said his association with the PTPA is closed.
