The Serbian star launched the PTPA in 2021 alongside Canadian player Vasek Pospisil with the aim of giving professional tennis players a stronger and more independent voice. However, Djokovic said his views no longer align with the current direction of the association.
In March last year, the PTPA filed legal action against several governing bodies in tennis, including the ATP and WTA Tours. The lawsuit alleged anti-competitive practices and claimed there was a disregard for player welfare. Both the ATP and WTA strongly denied the accusations and said they would defend their positions.
Djokovic, who has won a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, had previously distanced himself from parts of the legal case, stating that he did not agree with all aspects of the claim. He has now formally ended his involvement with the organisation.
Posting on X, Djokovic said that after careful consideration he decided to step away completely from the PTPA. He explained that his decision followed ongoing concerns about transparency, governance, and how his voice and image had been represented. While expressing pride in the original vision he shared with Pospisil when founding the association, Djokovic said it had become clear that his values and approach no longer matched the organisation's current path.
He added that he intends to focus on his tennis career, his family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect his principles and integrity. Djokovic also wished the players and those involved in the PTPA well, noting that for him the chapter had come to a close.
Following Djokovic's withdrawal, the PTPA said it had been subjected to a coordinated campaign of defamation and witness intimidation connected to its legal action against the tours and Grand Slam events. The organisation claimed that inaccurate and misleading narratives had been spread to discredit its work, staff and mission. It said a federal court had already ruled such harassment improper and ordered it to stop.
The PTPA stated it would continue to pursue reforms aimed at addressing what it describes as an unsustainable playing schedule, intrusive integrity measures by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, and alleged collusion that may suppress competition and restrict prize money.
The legal complaint was filed by the PTPA and 12 players, including Pospisil and Nick Kyrgios, who said they were acting on behalf of the wider player population. World number one Carlos Alcaraz, who was quoted in the lawsuit regarding scheduling concerns, later said he did not support the legal action.
