Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has officially announced his departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the organization he co-founded with Vasek Pospisil in 2021.

The 38-year-old Serbian star cited ongoing concerns about transparency, governance, and the representation of his personal voice and image as central reasons for stepping away.

Background on the PTPA and Legal Action

2024 US Open - Day 3
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot against Laslo Djere of Serbia during their Men's Singles Second Round match on Day Three of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

The PTPA was launched as a breakaway players' union designed to give tennis professionals more autonomy and influence over the sport.

In March 2025, the group filed legal action against tennis' governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA, alleging anti-competitive practices and neglect of player welfare.

According to the BBC, the lawsuit addressed issues such as the demanding tour schedule, invasive device searches, random night-time drug tests conducted by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), and alleged collusion between tours and tournaments that could limit competition and prize money.

Djokovic's PTPA Departure

Though Djokovic initially supported the PTPA, he clarified that he did not fully endorse the organization's legal strategy. The 24-time Grand Slam winner said that he would continue to focus on tennis, his family, and the sport that will reflect his integrity and principles.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association," Djokovic said in a statement posted on X. "While I am proud of the vision Vasek and I shared to give players a stronger, independent voice, my values and approach no longer align with the organization's direction."

The legal action involved 12 players, including co-founder Vasek Pospisil and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios. While the group claimed to represent the broader player population, not all top-ranked athletes supported the initiative.

Current world number one Carlos Alcaraz, for instance, criticized the hectic tour schedule but explicitly declined to back the lawsuit.