Two years back, Novak Djokovic, along with Canadian tennis star Vasek Pospisil, launched a breakaway association of players. Named the Professional Tennis Players Association, it was launched to address the players’ issues and give them a larger say in decision-making. However, the ATP didn’t approve of the new association. Additionally, high-profile players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal also distanced themselves from it.

The PTPA received mixed responses from across the tennis fraternity. Tennis legend, Martina Navratilova, was critical of Djokovic for launching a separate body.

Martina Navratilova slammed Novak Djokovic for launching the PTPA

During an interview, Navratilova had strong words against Djokovic for launching a breakaway tennis body. She said, “He thinks he’s doing the right thing. I don’t agree with it but it’s his choice. It certainly didn’t seem to help his tennis. I think you’re better off . . . Not staying in your lane, but right now give your energy to that which helps you.”

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Further, she added, “That’s what I don’t understand. Purely from a logical point of view, when you are a champion tennis player, when you commit to the sport, your energy goes into that. Maybe to get away, you watch TV, maybe you do some woodworking, maybe you get into stitching shawls. That helps you relax and it gives you energy.”

Talking about trying to bring tennis together during tough times, she went on to say, “But starting this association? This is not helpful on any level. Do that when you stop playing tennis but it’s controversial and not helpful. During Covid, you’re trying to divide us further when we should be trying to bring the game together and trying to figure out how to play tournaments without people getting sick and dying from Covid? Let’s stay with that problem rather than creating one we don’t need.”

Djokovic unsure of his US Open participation

After his Wimbledon triumph, the former World Number 1 opened up on his participation in the year-ending Grand Slam. Djokovic maintained that he’ll not change his vaccine stance to participate in major tournaments.

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Unless Djokovic receives an exemption to enter the United States, he will, in all probability, miss out on the upcoming US Open.