Medvedev : “I was always for the PTPA because the ATP are a monopoly in the sport”
Daniil Medvedev was invited to comment Novak Djokovic’s departure from the PTPA.
Daniil Medvedev, Brisbane 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewz
Top seed and world No. 13 Daniil Medvedev described Novak Djokovic’s sudden withdrawal from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) as a “bad look” for the organisation, as internal fissures within player representation come to light ahead of the Australian Open.
Djokovic, a co-founder of the PTPA, announced his departure on Sunday citing concerns over “transparency and governance,” a move that has sent shockwaves through the tour. Medvedev, speaking after his 6-2, 6-3 opening-round victory over Marton Fucsovics, admitted the split was damaging to the group’s image.
“It is kind of a bad look on PTPA, because he was a co-founder,” Medvedev told reporters on Monday. “I was always for the PTPA because I do think the ATP can improve some things and they are a monopoly in the sport.”
Medvedev : “not for it, not against it”
This word is a direct echoes of the core legal argument in the PTPA’s ongoing antitrust litigation against the ATP and WTA. Medvedev, who is not a formal member or plaintiff in the lawsuit, is effectively validating the “legal lexicon” of the association at a time when its future is being questioned.
The Russian remains supportive of an independent voice for players but doesn’t feel ready to commit more.
“I know my priorities and, for example, I was never involved as a decision-maker in PTPA, but I always said I think it’s good, even if we have maybe more parties trying to not even change something in tennis but trying to look into tennis if there are some things to change. So that’s kind of it. I’m not for it, not against it. I think guys should continue doing their job and try to do it as good as they can.
Medvedev’s comments follow a turbulent 2025 where the PTPA engaged in several legal battles with the governing bodies of the sport.
