NOVAK DJOKOVIC has quit the players’ union he co-founded with immediate effect.
But the legend is not retiring from tennis just yet.
Former ATP Player Council president Djokovic, 38, helped launch the Professional Tennis Players Association in a controversial move in 2020 alongside fellow pro Vasek Pospisil.
The PTPA is a group representing male and female tennis players in the top 500 of the singles rankings and top 200 of the doubles rankings – and within a year of its foundation had more than 500 members.
Its purpose was to provide an independent union away from the ATP and WTA Tours, who look after both the players and the tournaments.
The PTPA drew criticism from the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the time of its announcement, Djokovic’s long-term rivals.
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And in March the organisation sparked a tennis civil war when they filed a lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA Tours, for “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare”.
The 163-page legal papers aimed at ending the “monopolistic control” and “cartel” of the ATP and WTA as well as seeking financial compensation from them and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
They also claimed tennis was a “corrupt, illegal and abusive system”
The ATP and WTA both denied the accusations.
And even seven-time Wimbledon winner Djokovic, the co-president of the PTPA, admitted he did not fully agree with everything in his union’s case.
Now he has distanced himself for good by completely withdrawing from the organisation.
The Serbian took to X with a statement confirming the news on Sunday evening.
He wrote: “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 organisation.
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“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.”
Some fans misread the statement as Djokovic retiring from tennis – but that is not the case.
The 2024 Olympic gold medalist – who turned pro in 2003 – has won a staggering 24 Grand Slams, 101 career titles, spent a record 428 weeks as world No1 and earned more than £142million in prize money.
His last Major came at the 2023 US Open – with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz sharing the last eight evenly.
Many expect 2026 to be Djokovic’s last season on tour, especially if he cannot land the elusive 25th Grand Slam, which would put him clear of Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list.
The world No4 is set to get his next chance at this month’s Australian Open after beginning the new season at the Adelaide International warm-up tournament.
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