‘This chapter is closed’: Djokovic quits the tennis union he co-founded

Novak Djokovic has cut ties with the tennis player union he co-founded, saying his values no longer align with the organisation’s direction and citing governance concerns.

The 24-time grand slam champion, who will start his season in Adelaide next week ahead of his bid to win a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, announced on Monday morning (AEDT) his decision to “step away” from the Professional Tennis Players Association.

Djokovic and former player Vasek Pospisil launched the PTPA during the US Open in August 2020 with the goal of establishing an alternative voice for fellow players and strengthening player representation.

The union launched legal action against tennis’ governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA, in March last year, based on claims of “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare”.

Australians Nick Kyrgios, John-Patrick Smith and Anastasia Rodionova were among the plaintiffs, a list that did not include Djokovic.

The ATP and WTA emphatically rejected the PTPA’s accusations and stated they would defend their position. Djokovic said at the time that he did not agree with all aspects of the class-action lawsuit.

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

“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.”

Fellow former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev, who is playing in Brisbane this week, said Djokovic’s move was “kind of a bad look on PTPA”, given he was a co-founder.

“I don’t know the exact factors behind his decision, so tough for me to say [too much],” Medvedev said.

“I was always for PTPA because I do think ATP can improve some things, and they are the monopoly in the sport. At the same time, I know my priorities. For example, I was never involved as a decision-maker in PTPA.

“But I always said I think it is good, even if we have maybe more parties trying to, not even change something in tennis, but trying to look into tennis if there are some things to change, so that is kind of it.”

The PTPA filed a letter to the United States Southern District Court in November that it was close to reaching a deal with Tennis Australia, which confirmed the development at the time.

“Plaintiffs and Tennis Australia are engaged in substantive and productive bilateral settlement discussions and believe that a settlement as to plaintiffs’ claims against Tennis Australia is likely in the near future,” the PTPA’s lawyers wrote.

Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, will contest the Open again from January 18.

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