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Djokovic, who ended his association with the PTPA earlier in the month, explained that the split was due to difference over the direction the body was heading in.
Novak Djokovic. (AP)
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who is set to begin his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam event at the Australian Open with his opening fixture against Pedro Martinez of Spain at the Rod Laver Arena on Monday, reflected on his recent split from the Professional Tennis Players Association, a group he co-founded.
Djokovic, who ended his association with the PTPA earlier in the month, explained that the split was due to differences over the direction the body was heading in.
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“My values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organisation,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said.
Djokovic and Canadian player Vasek Pospisil launched the PTPA in the year 2020 to offer representation for players who are independent contractors in a sport that is largely individual.
“It was a tough call for me to exit the PTPA, but I had to do that because I felt like my name was overused,” he said.
“I felt like people, whenever they think about PTPA, they think it’s my organisation, which is a wrong idea from the very beginning.”
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Djokovic, however, said he still believes in the concept the body seeks to permeate and stressed the importance and necessity of such a organisation in the sport.
“I am still wishing them all the best because I think that there is room and there is a need for a 100% players-only representation organisation existing in our ecosystem,” the 38-year-old Djokovic said.
Djokovic also opened up about the perspective change he has adapted in recent times ad explained he has sought to lift the pressure off himself ahead of the AO.
January 17, 2026, 19:01 IST
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