Novak Djokovic explains sudden PTPA exit and says ‘the system is failing us’ | Tennis | Sport

Novak Djokovic has explained his decision to step away from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), a player union he co-founded with now-retired Canadian player Vasek Pospisil in 2020. The 24-time Grand Slam champion announced his decision to exit the organisation earlier this month. Djokovic co-founded the PTPA to give players a stronger voice, and still believes that “the system is failing” them – but he no longer agreed with the direction the association was heading in.

Speaking ahead of the Australian Open – his first tournament since early November – the world No. 4 said: “Well, it was hard, to be honest, because I’m one of the two co-founders, co-founders of the Canadian PTPA entity, that was nonprofit, along with Vasek, you know.

“Both Vasek and I have put a lot of heart and soul and energy into founding the PTPA back in 2020 when it was officially founded, but it took years for me, even more years before when I attempted to do that a few times but didn’t make it. Then obviously with Vasek’s dedication and incredible energy, we managed to do it.

“From the day one, the mission was clear. You know, we tried to have an association that would give a stronger player voice and that will hopefully be able to contribute to the expansion of the quantity of players that are able to live from this sport across all levels.

“Particularly the first or second tier of professional tennis, because there are thousands of players around the world. You know, we sit here and talk about multi-million-dollar prize money winner cheque, but we don’t talk about the base level. That’s where, you know, the struggle is real.

“So that was personally my intention, you know, back in the 2020 when we founded it. I was No. 1 in the world. You know, I always tried to use my voice, my platform, my influence for good, whenever I possibly could, you know, and basically use my platform for the low-ranked players and have their voices heard and their struggles and challenges.”

Djokovic has long attempted to stand up for players’ rights and was previously the president of the ATP’s player council before stepping away to launch the PTPA. But the Serbian superstar did not like that his name was associated with every decision the organisation made.

“I was in the player council obviously, within the ATP, you know, structure. So I was president of that council for I think four or five years. I know how system works, and I still have the opinion that the system is failing us, and I think it has to change in terms of the structure, in terms of how it’s set up, how it’s led,” he continued.

“It was a tough call for me to exit the PTPA, but I had to do that, because I felt like my name was used, overused in pretty much every single article or communication channel. I felt like, you know, people, whenever they think about PTPA, they think it’s my organisation, which is a wrong idea from the very beginning. So this was supposed to be everyone, every player’s organisation across the board, men and women.

“And I also didn’t like the way the leadership was taking the direction of the PTPA, and so I decided to step out. Does that mean that I’m not supporting PTPA? No, I am. I am still wishing them all the best, because I think that there is room and there is a need for 100 per cent players-only representation organisation existing in our ecosystem. So that’s all.”

Last year, the PTPA took legal action against some of tennis’ governing bodies, including the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the four Grand Slams. In December, the body said it had reached a settlement with Tennis Australia. Djokovic was not listed as a plaintiff and, at the time, stated that he did not agree with certain aspects of the lawsuit. And he now says that also contributed to his decision to leave.

The 10-time Aussie Open winner added: “You know, going back to the lawsuit, as well, back in Miami, March last year, you know, it was partly I exited because of that, as well, because I didn’t agree with everything that was in there, and I decided not to be one of the player plaintiffs. So that was also one of the big reasons.

“It is what it is. As I said, you know, I hope they will continue to thrive, to exist, to grow, to develop. Hopefully players will be able to recognise the vision it has. Hopefully the vision will be clear for the people who are still in charge of PTPA. You know, I don’t see it as clear as it was in 2020, you know, but, you know, let’s see what happens.”