Djokovic steps back from players’ association as legal battle reshapes tennis

January 5, 2026 Oliver Obel

Novak Djokovic has ended his formal involvement with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the advocacy group he helped found, saying his personal principles no longer align with how the organisation is being run.

In a post on X on Sunday, the 24-time Grand Slam champion said he had concerns about transparency and governance within the association, as well as how his role and public image had been represented. As a result, he said, he would no longer be involved in its work.

The decision comes as the PTPA pursues an expansive legal challenge against tennis’s governing bodies, a move that has intensified long-standing disputes over player pay, authority and welfare in the sport.

Djokovic and Canada’s Vasek Pospisil announced the creation of the PTPA during the 2020 US Open, presenting it as an independent body that could advocate for players in a sport where athletes compete largely as individual contractors. At the time, the founders argued that existing structures did not adequately represent players’ interests.

According to the Associated Press, the group later signalled ambitions to become a full-fledged union capable of negotiating collective bargaining agreements, similar to those in major team sports. That objective has not been realised.

In March, the PTPA escalated its efforts by filing a class-action lawsuit against the ATP and WTA tours, the International Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Integrity Agency. The complaint accused the organisations of systemic abuse, anti-competitive conduct and neglect of player welfare.

The four Grand Slam tournaments Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open and the Australian Open were later added as defendants. The lawsuit argues that tennis authorities restrict players’ earning potential by limiting prize money and constraining off-court commercial opportunities.

Despite co-founding the association, Djokovic was not named as a plaintiff. At the time, he said he wanted other players to take a more prominent role in driving the legal action.

On Sunday, Djokovic said he would now turn his attention back to his playing career and family life, while continuing to support the sport in ways consistent with his personal values. He wished those still involved with the players’ group well, but said his involvement had come to an end.

Sources: Associated Press