Milan, Jan. 5 (LaPresse) – Novak Djokovic has unexpectedly left the Professional Tennis Players Association, the players’ union he co-founded, which last year filed a lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies, writing on social media Sunday that "my values and approach are no longer aligned with the organization’s current direction." The 24-time Grand Slam champion announced at the 2020 US Open that he and Canadian player Vasek Pospisil, now retired, would launch the PTPA. Djokovic told X on Sunday that he has "persistent concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented." In March, the PTPA filed a class action against the men’s and women’s tours, the International Tennis Federation, and the Sport Integrity Agency, accusing the organizations of "systematic abuse, anti-competitive practices, and blatant disregard for players’ well-being." The four Grand Slam tournaments were later added as defendants. Djokovic was not listed as a plaintiff when the lawsuit was filed; Pospisil and other players were. This is because, Djokovic said in March, "I want other players to step forward." Djokovic said Sunday that he "will continue to focus on my tennis, my family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect my principles and integrity. I wish the players and everyone involved the best for the future, but for me, this chapter is now closed."
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