'Disappointing': Novak Djokovic lashes out after 'shock' ban

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has revealed he was nominated by his colleagues to rejoin the ATP Player Council, which he left to form a breakaway group, but has been blocked after a new rule was put in place.

The tennis world descended into chaos only days before the US Open this year after it was confirmed Novak Djokovic helped lead a breakaway players association, which both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer publicly opposed.

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The move, also led by Canada’s Vasek Pospisil, divided the tennis world with both Federer and Nadal opposed the move and called for calm during the coronavirus pandemic.

Many stars opposed the breakaway group, which prompted fierce criticism from many in the tennis world, and are still yet to sign up.

But in a surprise twist, Djokovic and Pospisil have been nominated to return to the ATP Council.

During a press conference after his shock loss to Daniil Medvedev, the 17-time Grand Slam champ confirmed the players had nominated him to return.

"I've been nominated by my fellow players, I did not proactively run for council," Djokovic said.

"I do not see any conflict of any kind at being part of the PTPA and part of player council, I didn't then or now."

But in a further twist, the player council blocked Djokovic’s return.

“The rule by ATP board was voted on last night, which basically doesn't allow any active player to be part of the council and any other organisation in the tennis ecosystem, which is disappointing, to be honest, because I have not been approached by anybody from ATP on that matter,” Djokovic said.

“Now with this rule that has been voted on last night, that actually is a strong message from ATP that they don't want PTPA at all in the system. So it's very clear. It wasn't clear from ATP before.

Djokovic was clear the PTPA would have to consider its “next move” after his ban from rejoining, which could signal further repercussions in the tennis world.

“Now we know where we stand. So then we obviously have to consider other strategic, I would say, positions and we have to consider our next move in a different way,” he added.

Tennis world ‘shocked’ at Djokovic nomination

But Djokovic’s nomination had some in the tennis world ‘shocked’.

Five-time Grand Slam doubles champ Bruno Soares said he was “shocked” after hearing about Djokovic’s nomination.

"It's quite interesting, because they resigned three months ago to go ahead with PTPA. I don't really know what's going on on the PTPA,” he said.

“I was kicked out from their chat, I guess because I stayed in the player council, so I don't know their ideas.

"I'm probably as shocked and curious as just like you guys with both of them resigning three months ago and then running again.”

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