The conflict between Novak Djokovic and the ATP continues. The pulse that the Serbian started with the creation of the Professional Tennis Players Associaton (PTPA), an alternative association to the ATP now has a new chapter with the resignation of the Serbian from the ATP Players Council due to the incompatibility of not being able to join two associations at the same time.
Through his social networks, Djokovic announced in a statement his resignation from being part of the ATP Players Council despite being nominated for this body, something for which he was very grateful. “First of all I would like to say that, as always, I am honored by the continued support and trust shown to me by all those who have nominated me to serve the collective interests of the players on the Council. My first reaction to this nomination was to accept it with the intention that, if elected, I would do my best to protect the interests of the players within the ATP. “
Djokovic justified the impossibility of being part of this Council after the regulations approved by the ATP on player associations and his membership of the PTPA that he leads. “However, a few days after my nomination the ATP passed a new rule that put me in a difficult position. This new rule specifies that all members of the new Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) or any association that are viewed as a 'conflict of interest' cannot be members of the Players Council. As you know, I am part of the PTPA, a recently created organization that has no intention of conflict with the ATP. The PTPA has yet to define its strategy and its long-term vision, and although the PTPA has clarified that it does not want to fight with anyone, it is uncertain how the ATP will see the association in the future. “
Against this background and with the intention of doing the least possible damage to the world of tennis, Djokovic has decided to step aside and renounce that nomination. “Unfortunately, and given the latest developments, I now feel that it is necessary for me to remove my name from the list of candidates. I do not wish to create any conflicts or doubts around the choice of players or create other problems that may arise. I do this reluctantly and with great sadness. I have always been very passionate when it came to representing my colleagues on the Board. I believe there is a path ahead that can truly improve the lives of many players, especially the lowest ranked ones, and have a powerful and positive impact on the world of tennis. I am confident that the PTPA will achieve this in the near future. “
The Serbian ends the letter with wishes for change and progress not only in the new associations, but also in the ATP. “Before concluding I want to communicate that it is very important that we do not generate conflicts for the good of our sport. I hope that the advances will not only apply to the formation of new associations at the player level, but also apply at all levels in the structure of ATP. I wish you all a wonderful and healthy 2021 season. “