World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this month’s ATP Player Council elections citing the governing body’s new rule.
The rule deems it a “conflict of interest” for Djokovic to
take part in the election, simultaneously with his role in the Professional
Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA).
The Serb set up the breakaway PTPA on the eve of the U.S.
Open in September and resigned as head of the player council.
Last month he confirmed that he had been nominated by his
fellow professionals for the current elections which he accepted.
However, the new ATP rule means he has to withdraw.
“Unfortunately, given these latest developments I feel it is
now necessary to remove myself from the list of candidates,” he wrote in a
statement on Twitter posted on Monday.
“I do not wish to create conflict or uncertainty around the
player elections or create any issues that may arise.”
Djokovic repeated the assertions he made several times this
year that the PTPA wanted to co-exist with the sport’s governing bodies but the
ball was now in their court.
“The PTPA has made it clear it does not intend to be
combative, it is unclear how the ATP will view the association in the future,”
Djokovic said.
He added that the PTPA was in the formative stages, but he
was keen to advance it to further the interests of all players, especially
those in the lower ranks.
The decision to form the PTPA blindsided many players with
Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal voicing their opposition.