Novak Djokovic has decided to sever his connections with the Professional Tennis Players Association, a group he helped establish that initiated legal action against the tennis governing bodies last year. In a social media post on Sunday, Djokovic mentioned that his values and approach no longer align with the current direction of the organization.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner revealed during the 2020 U.S. Open that he, along with retired Canadian player Vasek Pospisil, founded the PTPA. Their objective was to provide representation for players who function as independent contractors in a predominantly individual sport.
Although the initial aim was to transform into a comprehensive union negotiating collective bargaining agreements similar to those in team sports, this objective has not materialized. Djokovic expressed concerns about transparency, governance, and the representation of his voice and image.
In March, the PTPA filed a class-action lawsuit against the men’s and women’s tours, the International Tennis Federation, and the sport’s integrity agency, alleging systemic abuse, anti-competitive practices, and a lack of concern for player welfare. Subsequently, the four Grand Slam events were also implicated as defendants.
Djokovic did not join as a plaintiff when the lawsuit was initiated, as he encouraged other players to take a stand. The legal action aims to enable players to access more earnings by challenging the prize money restrictions imposed by the governing bodies of major tournaments and professional events.
In a recent statement, Djokovic mentioned that he will now focus on his tennis career, his family, and contributing to the sport in a manner that reflects his principles and integrity. He extended his best wishes to the players and stakeholders involved in the future endeavors of the PTPA but emphasized that his involvement in the organization has come to an end.