Novak Djokovic Criticizes Tennis Innovations as ‘Sabotaged’ and Vows to Continue Playing to Witness Change
Novak Djokovic has voiced his concerns regarding the potential stagnation within the sport of tennis. The esteemed 24-time Grand Slam champion spoke at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and UFC President Dana White. At this event, he is participating in the Six Kings Slam exhibition.
Djokovic’s Critique of Tennis Innovations
During the panel discussion, Djokovic expressed that the existing norms and structure of tennis leave “so much potential that is unused.” He summarized the challenges by stating that “innovation is obstructed” and “sabotaged.” As his career progressed, he became less accepting of the conventional expectations in the sport. He highlighted tennis as a historical sport with elite origins and noted the duality of its impact on innovation.
“Tennis has been a sport of elites, which is good for its heritage. However, it has untapped potential, and that’s the downside,” Djokovic noted. Although he didn’t specify which innovations he believed were hindered, his remarks come at a time when many top players are critiquing the sport’s demanding schedule.
Ongoing Discussions About the Sport’s Schedule
The ATP, WTA, and four Grand Slams are engaged in ongoing discussions regarding the sport’s lengthy and fragmented schedule. While players, including those from the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) co-founded by Djokovic, agree on the need for structure, they also stress that lower-ranked players require opportunities to compete and earn prize money.
- Top players sent letters to Grand Slams seeking enhanced contributions to player welfare.
- Demands include increased prize money and the establishment of a player council within the Grand Slams.
- Both ATP and WTA have existing player councils but haven’t fully addressed these requests.
Djokovic took part in the first letter but opted out of the ongoing PTPA lawsuit against the ATP and WTA. This lawsuit, aimed at securing better revenue distributions and a more manageable schedule, is currently being transferred to a different U.S. court while both Tours push for arbitration.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Change
Despite these challenges, Djokovic remains optimistic. He believes tennis will undergo significant rejuvenation in the coming years due to potential structural changes. “I want to be part of that change and witness the rejuvenation of our sport,” he stated.
Ranked third in points for 2025, Djokovic has only participated in 12 events this year. His participation in the upcoming ATP Tour Finals in Turin, Italy, remains uncertain. At the Six Kings Slam, he faces world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who has recently won their last five encounters.
