Djokovic Breaks Ties with the PTPA: End of an Era in Tennis?

Djokovic Splits from the Professional Tennis Players Association

The Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic has decided to separate from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which he co-founded. This decision is based on a divergence of values and approaches with the current direction of the organization. Djokovic, winner of 24 Grand Slam titles, founded the PTPA in 2021 along with Canadian player Vasek Pospisil. The initiative sought to represent the players, who operate as independent contractors in a predominantly individual sport. One of the main goals of the PTPA was to become an entity similar to a union, capable of negotiating collective bargaining agreements, such as those that exist in team sports. However, this did not materialize.

I have ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.

Novak Djokovic

The PTPA filed a class action lawsuit in March against the women’s and men’s circuits, the International Tennis Federation, and the sports integrity agency, accusing the organizations of “systemic abuse, anti-competitive practices, and blatant disregard for the well-being of players.” Subsequently, the four Grand Slam tournaments were added as defendants. Djokovic was not listed as a plaintiff in the original lawsuit; Pospisil, already retired, and other players were. In March, Djokovic stated that he preferred “other players to step up”. The lawsuit argues that players should have access to greater earnings, alleging that the governing bodies of the four Grand Slam tournaments (Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open) and other professional events “limit the amount of prize money awarded by the tournaments and restrict the ability of players to earn income off the court”. Djokovic stated on Sunday that he will “remain focused on his tennis, his family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect his principles and integrity. He wishes the best to the players and those involved in his future, but for him, this chapter has concluded.”