Novak Djokovic appeared at the 2025 Joy Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he joined a panel alongside UFC president Dana White and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. During the discussion, Djokovic addressed the structure of professional tennis and the limited influence players have in decision-making. His comments about monopolistic control in the sport reignited debate around the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which he co-founded in 2019.
“Now we have the PTPA, but still we don’t have a seat at the table where the decisions are made,” Djokovic said, expressing frustration over the lack of formal representation for players.
Roddick highlights contradictions in Djokovic’s message
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick responded critically to Djokovic’s appearance, pointing out the irony of discussing monopolies while seated next to Dana White, a figure known for centralized control in the UFC.
“If you’re going to talk about monopolies and player empowerment, maybe don’t do it next to Dana White,” Roddick said. He suggested that the optics of the event weakened the credibility of Djokovic’s message and questioned the strategic choices behind the PTPA’s public positioning.
Concerns over PTPA’s effectiveness
Roddick also expressed doubts about the PTPA’s progress and impact since its launch. While the organization claims to represent the interests of top-ranked singles and doubles players, it has yet to gain formal recognition within the ATP or Grand Slam governance.
“It hasn’t worked,” Roddick commented, noting that despite several years of existence, the PTPA has not secured a meaningful role in shaping the sport’s policies or structure.
Broader implications for tennis reform
Djokovic’s remarks have reignited broader questions about the future of tennis governance. His push for structural change continues to face resistance, and the PTPA’s ability to unify players remains uncertain. As the 2026 season approaches, the conversation around player representation, scheduling, and revenue distribution is expected to intensify.
While Djokovic’s appearance in Riyadh drew attention, Roddick and others argue that attention alone is not enough to bring about lasting reform. The challenge now lies in translating visibility into influence.
Novak Djokovic in 2025
Ranked no.5, Djokovic played his last match on the 11th of October when he was overcome by world no.39 Valentin Vacherot 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Shanghai (draw).
This season the Serbian has managed to achieve a compiled 35-11 win-loss record. Djokovic has won 1 title in Geneva. The Serbian reached the final in Miami.
He is also scheduled to play in Athens (Hellenic Championship) on the 2nd of November.