By Richard Pagliaro Monday, January 5, 2026
Photo Credit: Daniil Medvedev Instagram
Novak Djokovic Professional Tennis Players Association says severing ties with PTPA is a ‘bad look’ Daniil Medvedev.
Djokovic, who co-founded the PTPA with Vasek Pospisil, announced yesterday that he was leaving the association because “it became clear that my values and methods no longer fit the current direction of the organization.”
When asked about Djokovic’s departure from the association in Brisbane today, Medvedev said that he is a supporter of the PTPA, but not a decision-maker. He is very aware that this is a loss for the association.
Medvedev told the media: “To be honest, the PTPA definitely didn’t go well for Novak because he was a co-founder, so I don’t know the exact decision behind it, or, sorry, the factors behind his decision.”
After much consideration, I have decided to completely withdraw from the Professional Tennis Players Association. This decision follows ongoing concerns about transparency, governance and the way my voice and image are represented.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2026
I was proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when we founded the PTPA to provide a stronger, independent voice for players, but it became clear that my values and approach no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2026
Former world No. 1 Medvedev said he believes the PTPA’s mission is important because of the governing body’s monopoly on tennis and hopes the PTPA can continue its work even without the Grand Slam king.
“I have always supported the PTPA because I do think the ATP can improve things and they are a monopoly in the sport,” Medvedev said. “At the same time, I know my priorities, I’ve never been involved as a decision-maker in the PTPA, for example, but I’ve always said that even though we might have more groups trying not to change something in tennis, but trying to look at whether there are things in tennis that need to be changed, I think that’s good too.
“That’s it. I’m not for it, I’m not against it. I think everyone should continue to do their job and do it as well as they can.”
