Novak Djokovic announced on Sunday, January 5, that he has completely stepped away from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the organization he co-founded five years ago with Vasek Pospisil.The surprising move comes just months after the players’ union initiated legal action against tennis’ governing bodies. 👀

After years of demanding fair treatment for players, the PTPA decided words were no longer enough. In March last year, the players’ union sued the tennis governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA, and later added all four Grand Slams to the lawsuit in October.

The tennis association faces accusations of anti-competitive rules and neglecting player welfare, claims ATP and WTA swiftly deny. Novak Djokovic, PTPA co-founder, says he doesn’t fully agree with the union’s stance. 🎾

Players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have opposed the PTPA, arguing it mishandled the situation. The tennis association defended its actions, revealing that only the Australian Open was in talks with them regarding the legal claims. 🎾

After Novak Djokovic ended his association with the PTPA, the organization revealed it has faced coordinated defamation and witness intimidation amid its ongoing legal battle against tennis governing bodies. In a statement on X, they noted that a federal court has ruled harassment of players as improper. 🎾