Riley Gaines sends four-word message for Novak Djokovic after his exit from the Professional Tennis Players Association

Riley Gaines has shown public support for Novak Djokovic after the Serbian tennis star decided to step away from the Professional Tennis Players Association. Djokovic is currently preparing for the 2026 tennis season and has chosen to distance himself from the organization he helped create. His decision quickly drew attention across the sports world.

Notably, Djokovic co-founded the PTPA in 2020 alongside fellow professional Vasek Pospisil during the US Open. Five years later, he announced that he would no longer be involved. He explained that his personal values no longer matched the direction of the group.

Riley Gaines supports Novak Djokovic’s stance on independence from the Professional Tennis Players Association

In his public statement, Novak Djokovic explained why he chose to leave the PTPA.

He said, “After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association. This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented. I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice - but it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.”

Riley Gaines reacted soon after. She reposted Djokovic’s message on X and offered brief but clear encouragement. In her post, she wrote, “Onwards and upwards for @DjokerNole!” Her response was seen as support for Djokovic’s decision to move forward without the association.

This is not the first time Gaines has publicly backed Djokovic. She previously commented on shifting opinions around COVID-19 vaccination policies in professional sports. During the 2021-22 season, NBA star Kyrie Irving refused to take the vaccine, which prevented him from playing in certain games due to local health rules. At the time, Stephen A. Smith had strongly criticized Irving’s stance.

Years later, in October 2025, Smith changed his opinion and said he now agreed with Irving’s decision. A clip of his comments went viral. Gaines reshared the video and referenced other athletes who faced consequences for similar choices. In her post, she wrote, “I doubt we’ll be seeing an apology to @AaronRodgers12 or @DjokerNole anytime soon.”

Djokovic’s vaccination stance famously led to him to miss on the 2022 US Open and being barred from the Australian Open after his visa was canceled. Gaines used the moment to highlight what she sees as unfair treatment of athletes.

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