Djokovic Withdraws from ATP Citing Value and Governance Discrepancies

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, has officially announced his withdrawal from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), an organization he co-founded in 2020 alongside Vasek Pospisil. He highlighted significant differences in values and governance as reasons for his decision.

Reasons for Withdrawal

In a statement on social media platform X, Djokovic remarked, "It has become clear that my values and approach no longer align with the current direction of the organization." He expressed his intention to focus on tennis, his family, and contributions to the sport that reflect his principles and integrity, wishing success to all players and stakeholders involved.

Legal Context

In March, the ATP filed a lawsuit against various governing bodies of the sport, including the ATP and the International Tennis Federation, accusing them of anti-competitive practices. In September, organizers of the four Grand Slam tournaments were also included in the lawsuit amid allegations of failing to ensure player safety.

Response from the ATP

The ATP issued a statement affirming that its governance is based on open communication and collaborative decision-making. The organization expressed its willingness to address any issues with players and noted that it is nearing an agreement with Tennis Australia ahead of the Australian Open in January.