Novak Djokovic just walked away from the tennis players’ association he helped create five years ago. And he’s not happy about how things turned out.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) back in 2019 with Vasek Pospisil. Their goal was pretty ambitious – give tennis players a real voice in how the sport is run.
Djokovic has never been the type to just show up and play tennis. He wants to shake things up and make the sport better for future generations.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic | 38 | 8,360 | 18 - 6 |
That’s exactly why he and Pospisil started the PTPA. They wanted an organization that would actually represent players and fight for their interests.
But things haven’t gone according to plan.
Controversy and Criticism
Since launching, the PTPA has faced plenty of criticism. Former players and tennis commentators have questioned whether it’s actually accomplished anything meaningful.
The association got most involved during recent doping controversies in tennis. But their biggest – and most shocking – move came in March 2025.
The PTPA sued both the ATP and WTA.
That lawsuit became even more awkward when Djokovic himself admitted he didn’t agree with parts of it. Imagine co-founding an organization that then takes legal action you’re not fully behind.
Now, less than nine months later, Djokovic is done with the whole thing.
Stepping Away
The Serbian superstar announced his departure on social media, and he didn’t hold back about why he’s leaving.
“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.”
“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.”
Translation? He’s pretty upset about how things are being run.
“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.”
That last line says it all – this chapter is closed.
What Happens Next?
Djokovic’s departure could be the beginning of the end for the PTPA. He’s been their biggest name and most recognizable face.
Other players might follow his lead and walk away too.
For Djokovic personally, this timing makes sense. He’s 37 and doesn’t have unlimited time left in his career. Why spend energy on an organization that’s frustrating him when he could focus on tennis?
He’s still chasing that 25th Grand Slam title. His next shot comes at the Australian Open, where he’ll enter as the fourth seed.
The PTPA will have to figure out how to move forward without their most famous co-founder. Meanwhile, Djokovic gets to focus on what he does best – winning tennis matches.
It’s a pretty dramatic end to what started as an ambitious plan to change professional tennis.
