The tennis world is head after Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest players ever, made an announcement that hit like a bomb. The Serbian superstar, who has 24 Grand Slam titles on the account, explained that he will be left Spain-a country that he has been using as a training base for years. The reason? A tidal wave of criticism and boycott calls that hit him after his latest rebellion against the tennis authorities. What exactly happened and why did the situation come so dramatically?

Djokovic is not a stranger when it comes to controversy. His career has always been shaped by polarizing moments – be it his refusal to be vaccinated during the pandemic that led to deportation from Australia, or its occasional outbursts on the pitch. But this time it seems more personal. The 37-year-old, who has lived and trained in Marbella on the Costa del Sol for years, has spoken out loudly against the management structures of professional tennis sports in the past few months. In particular, the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and the ITF (International Tennis Federation) were the focus, which he repeatedly accused of neglecting the interests of the players.

The trigger for the current escalation was a dispute over tournament planning and the distribution of the prize money. Djokovic, who is a co -group of PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association), called for more transparency and a fairer payment, especially for players outside the absolute top of the world. His criticism culminated in a public conflict during an ATP meeting in March 2025, in which he supposedly described the officials as “greedy” and “unrealistic”. These words were taken up by the media and ensured a storm of indignation – not only with the official, but also with some of his colleagues.

The reactions were not long in coming. Several Spanish media houses that have been critical of Djokovic for a long time started a campaign against him. Headlines such as “Djokovic split the sport” or “A egoist leaves Spain”. At the same time, some local sponsors and even fans in Spain called up to boycott their presence in the country. It was reported that posters with the inscription “Novak, go home!” were hung near his training center in Marbella. For a player who views Spain as a second home and lives there with his family, this must have been a hard blow.

In a short but emotional explanation, Djokovic confirmed his decision: “I loved Spain, but the air here is poisoned. I can no longer continue.” He left open where he would go next, but rumors indicate Monaco or his homeland of Serbia. This announcement came as a surprise to many, since Djokovic recently emphasized how much he appreciates the peace and the climate of Spain. But the constant attacks seem to have marked a turning point.

What makes things even more explosive is the fact that Djokovic is not alone. Other players, including some young talents, have joined his PTPA and supported his criticism of the tennis authorities. There is even speculation that its uprising could be the beginning of a major revolution in sport – a kind of “player uprising” against the established structures. But while his supporters celebrate him as a hero, his critics see him as someone who unnecessarily destabilizes sport. “He only thinks of himself,” an anonymous ATP player told a Spanish newspaper. “He risks the unity of tennis for his own ego.”

For Djokovic, however, the pressure seems to be only another incentive. In recent years he has proven that he can thrive under the most difficult conditions. His return to the top for injuries and scandals is legendary, and even now he shows no signs of weakness. In fact, his departure from Spain could make him even more determined to dominate the upcoming Grand Slams – especially Wimbledon and the US Open. “I don’t let myself be broken,” he said in an interview last week. “I fight for what I believe in, and I will always do that.”