Novak Djokovic-led PTPA granted membership in World Players Association as sole representative of tennis; Co-founder Vasek Pospisil rejoices

The Novak Djokovic-led PTPA was recently granted membership to the World Players Association as the sole representative of tennis players. It will voice the grievances of over 85000 players across 60 countries.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) was founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil in 2019 and it represents the top 500 players in singles and the top 200 players in doubles.

The PTPA celebrated its entry into the World Players Association on social media and claimed that they were excited to work with other members to protect athlete rights. The PTPA wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"Breaking: @WorldPlayersUtd has granted the PTPA membership, affirming its role as the independent representative for professional 🎾 players. We're thrilled to work alongside our fellow World Players members to protect and defend athlete rights worldwide."

Co-founder Pospisil reacted to the news on X and claimed that after being thoroughly vetted, the PTPA was admitted into the organization as the only representative of tennis players.

"Big news for the PTPA! Only one organization per group of athletes is accepted into the World Players Association as the athletes’ representative in each sport. After being thoroughly vetted and meeting their careful set of criteria, the PTPA has just been recognized by the @WorldPlayersUtd as that entity in tennis."

"The WPA previously rejected applications from our sport because of the lack of player independence and proper representation. This is a very proud moment. Thousands of hours of hard work have gone into this over the years. Wouldn’t be at this stage if it wasn’t for @ahmad4athletes and the whole @ptpaplayers team," Pospisil added.

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"Joining the World Players Association marks another significant milestone" - PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar

Novak Djokovic Press Conference At Dubai Tennis Championships

Ahmad Nassar was named the Executive Director of the Novak Djokovic-led Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) in August 2022. He had previously worked with NFL Players Inc. as a president and grew the NFL Players Association’s marketing and licensing business, doubling the annual revenue and payouts to players while turning the Association into one of the largest for-profit licensors in sports.

Nassar reacted to the news of the PTPA being inducted into the WPA on X and thanked staff, advisors, supporters, and player leaders for their support.

"Sometimes tennis is a team sport! Thanks to our amazing @ptpaplayers staff, advisors, and supporters. And, of course, our player leaders who started and lead the organization and walk the walk everyday," Ahmad Nassar wrote.

Nassar also claimed that joining the WPA was a significant milestone and that the PTPA's principles align with the WPA's. He was quoted as saying in the official announcement:

“Joining the World Players Association marks another significant milestone that reinforces the PTPA’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of professional tennis players worldwide. Our PTPA Principles are in direct alignment with the guiding philosophies of World Players, including its Universal Declaration of Player Rights. We are honored to join with our fellow players associations and stand united in advocating for and protecting professional athletes on a global scale.”

Novak Djokovic's next major tournament will be the 2024 French Open, where he will arrive in hopes of turning around a somewhat muted season.