Tennis is a sport steeped in tradition, and these traditions are what have kept the sport so revered and respected throughout the years.
However, nowadays, it could be argued that this is exactly what is holding it back, with some suggesting that it is one of the worst-marketed sports there is despite its clear popularity.
That is likely why Novak Djokovic has looked for a solution, with his latest suggestion bringing about a rather varied reaction from some of the sport’s biggest ATP figures.
What is Novak Djokovic’s proposed rule change for tennis?
Djokovic’s revamped scoring system seeks to alter a methodology that has lasted for over 500 years.
Speaking on a podcast with Nick Koutrakos, he argued: “Sets should not be played up to six games. I believe that a set should be played up to four games, with the possible abolition of the ‘advantage’ rule at 40:40.
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“Matches would be played until someone wins three such shortened sets. That way, matches would not last longer than two hours, which, in my opinion, is best for everyone.”
Kim Clijsters has disagreed with Djokovic’s proposed rule change, and she is not alone.
Joao Fonseca, who actually trialled this format as part of the ATP Next Gen Finals, has opposed such a view.
Joao Fonseca thinks Novak Djokovic wants the change because he’s ‘getting older’
Speaking in his latest Canadian Open press conference, the Brazilian phenomenon stunned many by stating: “Well, I had a good time playing 4 games, 4-game sets in the Next Gen. So I can’t complain about it.
“But I think he’s saying that because of his physique, you know. (Laughs). He’s getting older. Well, that’s what I can say.
“I mean, I don’t say bad things or good things, but I know it’s more about the classic tennis, the history of tennis and the tennis being 6 games during the sets; it’s important. I think it’s classic tennis. It’s the history of tennis. So, yeah. But I can’t complain because I had good results with it.”
Ben Shelton predicts how tournaments will react to Novak Djokovic’s proposed change
Ben Shelton was a little more measured in his response, admitting he thought the idea was ‘cool’ whilst also reinforcing how unlikely it is to be enacted.
In his own press conference, he argued: “I think it could be cool. It was interesting coming from him, because he’s always been the guy who’s the fittest on tour, the guy that can last five hours, six hours, doesn’t matter.
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“But I think it would be an interesting change, for sure. I think tennis is certainly a traditional sport, and tournaments like to stick with their traditions, but I would be interested to play some matches in this format.
“I thought it was cool the way they did it at the Next Gen finals. I like the five-set format. Whether it’s a shortened or a full format, I think it could be cool.”
This comes not long after Shelton suggested a different rule he’d like to see tennis change.
