Novak Djokovic, the world number one tennis player, has announced that he is stepping away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), a breakaway union he co-founded with Canadian Vasek Pospisil in 2021.
Djokovic cited concerns about "transparency and governance" as the reason for his decision to leave the organization, which was formed to secure a stronger voice for tennis players. The PTPA had launched legal action against the ATP and WTA tours over what it claimed were "anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare".
The ATP and WTA strongly rejected these accusations, stating that they would defend their position. In contrast, Djokovic expressed disagreement with some aspects of the PTPA's case, suggesting that he was not aligned with its current direction.
In his statement, Djokovic stated that he is proud of the initial vision shared by himself and Vasek Pospisil when founding the organization but acknowledged that their values have diverged. He emphasized his commitment to tennis, his family, and contributing to the sport in a way that reflects his principles and integrity.
The PTPA claimed that Djokovic's withdrawal was part of an ongoing campaign of misinformation and harassment by players, which they said they were working with legal counsel and law enforcement to address.
Djokovic cited concerns about "transparency and governance" as the reason for his decision to leave the organization, which was formed to secure a stronger voice for tennis players. The PTPA had launched legal action against the ATP and WTA tours over what it claimed were "anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare".
The ATP and WTA strongly rejected these accusations, stating that they would defend their position. In contrast, Djokovic expressed disagreement with some aspects of the PTPA's case, suggesting that he was not aligned with its current direction.
In his statement, Djokovic stated that he is proud of the initial vision shared by himself and Vasek Pospisil when founding the organization but acknowledged that their values have diverged. He emphasized his commitment to tennis, his family, and contributing to the sport in a way that reflects his principles and integrity.
The PTPA claimed that Djokovic's withdrawal was part of an ongoing campaign of misinformation and harassment by players, which they said they were working with legal counsel and law enforcement to address.
. I think he should have stuck it out, ya know? He's always been about being a champion, not just on the court but in his actions too 
. I mean, who needs all that drama with the WTA and ATP? Can't they just get along? 
Anyway, I'm gonna miss seeing Djokovic's face at tournaments, he's such an iconic figure in tennis 
. And what's up with the PTPA being all upset about him leaving? It seems like they're more concerned with proving a point than actually helping the players 
. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this whole thing plays out 
And don't even get me started on how messy this whole thing is – who gets to decide what's true and what's not? 
. I mean, if you're co-founding an organization to fight for player welfare but then say you can't work with the group because of "transparency and governance" issues... that doesn't exactly scream unity 
. At least Djokovic is sticking to what he knows best: crushing it on the court 
especially when you're used to being part of something bigger than yourself.
djokovic is like super influential in tennis and he's just gonna bail on the PTPA? 
anyway, i feel bad for vasek pospisil, he was right by djokovic's side when they started this whole thing 
i hope the PTPA is being realistic about the situation and not making a mountain out of a molehill 