McEnroe Laments Tennis ‘Fragmentation’ After Djokovic’s Shock PTPA Exit
MELBOURNE, 17 January 2026 – Tennis icon John McEnroe has delivered a stark assessment of the sport’s governance, expressing surprise and concern following Novak Djokovic’s sudden departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). The American legend argues the move underscores a decades-old problem of player disunity and a lack of fair representation at the highest levels of the game.
A Surprise Departure
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, co-founded the PTPA with Canadian player Vasek Pospisil in September 2020 with the aim of giving players, particularly those lower-ranked, a stronger independent voice. The organisation made headlines in March 2025 by filing lawsuits against the ATP and WTA tours, accusing the governing bodies of “anti-competitive practices”. However, on 4 January 2026, Djokovic announced he was stepping away, citing “ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.”
McEnroe, known for his candid commentary, admitted the news caught him off guard. “It came practically out of nowhere,” McEnroe said. “I’m not even sure if it’s a union or an association – and the difference between the two terms is huge and leads to a whole other political debate about the actual impact.”
‘A Problem 45 Years Old’
The seven-time major singles champion used the episode to critique the sport’s enduring structural flaws. “Tennis is too fragmented,” McEnroe stated. “Even the PTPA was fragmented from the start because there is already the ATP. It’s a problem about 45 years old.” He reflected on his own early career battles for player rights, noting, “In my opinion, the players have never been treated fairly, which is why the ATP was founded in the first place.”
McEnroe also pointed to confusion surrounding the PTPA’s membership and its relationship with the ATP, suggesting it symbolised a deeper issue. “This additionally shows that the players are not at the table in the way they should be, because they are too divided.”
Key Facts: The PTPA Saga
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| PTPA Founded | September 2020 by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil. |
| Major Action | Filed lawsuits against ATP & WTA in March 2025, alleging “anti-competitive restraints”. |
| Djokovic’s Exit | Announced 4 January 2026, citing transparency and governance concerns. |
| Notable Critics | Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer publicly opposed the breakaway union. |
| McEnroe’s View | Sees the episode as evidence of tennis’s chronic fragmentation and lack of player unity. |
Legends at Odds
The PTPA faced significant opposition from the sport’s other titans from its inception. Rafael Nadal previously argued, “Just because they created this organisation doesn’t mean they help tennis more than other players who believe in the usual structure.” Roger Federer echoed the call for unity, stating on social media, “I believe it’s critical for us to stand united as players, and as a sport.” McEnroe suggested that Djokovic’s recent withdrawal had seemingly “caught Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer off guard.”
Djokovic’s Melbourne Mission
Separately, McEnroe also commented on Djokovic’s ambitions at the ongoing Australian Open, where the Serb is chasing an 11th title and a record 25th Grand Slam. “He wouldn’t play if he didn’t think he could win,” McEnroe asserted. Acknowledging the challenge of winning a major at 38 years of age, McEnroe added, “I suspect that if he doesn’t succeed, he might decide to quit. When you’re used to success, it disgusts you not to achieve it anymore.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PTPA?
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) is a breakaway player body founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2020. It was established to advocate for player rights, welfare, and a greater share of revenue, operating independently of the traditional ATP and WTA structures.
Why did Novak Djokovic leave the PTPA?
Djokovic announced his departure on 4 January 2026. In a statement, he cited “ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented,” concluding that his values were “no longer aligned with the current direction of the organisation.”
What is John McEnroe’s main criticism of tennis governance?
McEnroe believes tennis is fundamentally “fragmented,” with multiple bodies (ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, and now the PTPA) creating disunity among players. He argues this fragmentation prevents players from presenting a united front to secure better deals and fairer treatment, a problem he says has existed for over four decades.