Novak Djokovic has called for immediate rule changes in tennis after his opening victory at Wimbledon, where he defeated Wu Yibing. The 24-time Grand Slam champion urged tennis chiefs to reevaluate tournament structures to reduce injury disruptions.
Djokovic's Call for Shorter Matches and Dynamic Tours
Speaking after his win at SW19, Djokovic emphasized the need for a shorter calendar and more dynamic matches. "In my opinion, we have to change the format, the tours, have the tournaments have shorter matches, more dynamic, be able to have something more interesting and shorter length 'cause this is too long," he said. He clarified that Grand Slams should remain best-of-five but suggested the tours could be adjusted.
Djokovic is among several stars advocating for a reduced schedule. His comments come amid a wave of withdrawals at Wimbledon, with 19 players—including British stars Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper—pulling out. Carlos Alcaraz has also been sidelined for months due to a wrist injury.
Impact of Injuries on the Current Tour
The rigorous demands of the tennis calendar have led to frequent injuries, disrupting tournaments and players' careers. Djokovic believes the current system is unsustainable. "We need to. It's not happening. So let's see what happens there," he added, expressing frustration over the lack of progress.
According to reports, the ATP and WTA tours have faced criticism for their packed schedules, with many players calling for reforms. Djokovic's statement adds weight to these demands, as he is one of the sport's most influential figures.
