Novak Djokovic proposes radical changes
Lisi Niesner, Reuters
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The tennis world has undergone a number of changes in recent months. Both the Davis Cup and the Fed Cup took place radically, the relatively new competition is the Laver Cup, the ATP Cup was created, the Hopman Cup was canceled and so it would be possible to continue for some time to come.
Novak Djokovic, who recently founded a new tennis players’ association (PTPA), is proposing another radical change. He would play Grand Slam tournaments exclusively on two winning sets instead of the previous three. The reason is clear. Significant shortening of matches and thus greater attractiveness for fans.
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The idea of a survey that generated unexpected data led him to this idea. “The numbers showed us a very interesting statistic and the fact that the average age of tennis fans is 61. This is a clear proof that changes are needed,” said the Belgrade native. At the same time, however, he realizes that it will be very difficult to introduce this radical innovation. “We should definitely play in two winning sets. But the problem is that grand slams have always been played on three, so it’s hard to say if we have a chance to change that. Tennis is stuck in tradition, there is no willingness to change it,” Djokovic knows.
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Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic with a trophy for the best player of the season
John Walton, ČTK / AP
“If we could shorten the match, it would certainly attract younger fans. Young people do not want to watch endless matches, which often last over three hours. We have to adapt to the market and the younger generation,” continues the 17-time Grand Slam champion.
And he draws another argument. “We play an awful lot of tournaments and matches all year round. Tennis has the longest season of all the sports in the world, from early January to late November. In fact, there is a tournament almost every week. That’s why it doesn’t make sense for grand slams to play on five sets, “adds Srb.
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However, Rafael Nadal, for example, is fundamentally opposed to Djokovic’s proposals. “Not at all, no changes. There is plenty of time to rest in grand slams. Matches in the three winning sets will show you the difference between grand slams and other events, and that’s why they’re part of our history. Let’s not change that,” the clay king urges.
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