Two of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of tennis needs to change in order to keep up with the current state of the game according to Novak Djokovic.
The multiple grand slam champion called for the changes shortly after his straight sets win over David Goffin at the ATP Finals in London. This year marks his tenth consecutive appearance in the year-end championships, which has a prize money pool of $7.5 million. Unlike other tournaments on the tour, the event is based on a round robin format with the top two players qualifying for the semifinals. It is a concept that Djokovic believes should be incorporated in the Olympic Games.
“I think certainly events, maybe like Olympic Games, should have this format.” Said Djokovic when discussing the structure of the Tour Finals. “I guess you play more matches. The people like to see the top players being (here for) at least for a couple matches in the tournament. It gives more value to the event.”
Earlier this year at the Rio Games Djokovic’s gold medal dream ended in tears after he was knocked out by Juan Martin del Potro in the first round. Unlike most other trophies on the tour, an Olympic medal has been a tough thing for Djokovic to achieve. His Sole achievement occurred at the 2008 Games when he won a bronze medal in the singles competition.
“I had to deal with it. I had to accept it. I lost to a better player that later went to win a silver medal.” He said about his loss to del Potro in Rio.
“It was a great match to be part of. Unfortunately, my stay was very short in Rio. Again, lesson learned. Hopefully I’ll be able to have another chance to play Olympic Games.”
The Olympic Games isn’t the only event that Djokovic would like to see changed. He also believes that the Davis Cup is currently missing out on top players and revenue due to their current format. The yearly tournament features countries playing against each other during numerous parts of the season, placing strain on players travelling commitments.
“This format is not working for the top players because it is completely at the wrong time in the schedule.” Djokovic stressed.
“In my opinion, the only way for it to work, is once a year. One or two weeks have a round-robin format featuring four, five, six groups. Have teams played in different locations, then come together in one location and play a knock-out stage, quarterfinals, semifinals, final four, whatever.”
The idea from the Serbian is one that he has been speaking about for almost eight years. His inspiration for the change comes from the world of Football. During this year’s Wimbledon Championships, the 29-year-old explained that this approach would make the 116-year-old tournament more appealing to the mass market.
So why has there been no change?
Stating that he has the support of other players on the tour concerning his argument for change, the world No.2 has accused the International Tennis Federation of failing to meet players needs.
“ITF owns Davis Cup. (The) ITF hasn’t been been really very helpful with the players’ demands. The only thing that they wanted to change is the neutral final.” He said.
“Most of the players around the tour don’t agree with that. Again, they’re taking away from the players the one thing that players love about Davis Cup, which is the home tie, the home crowd.”
ITF chief David Haggerty has previously stated that he plans to change the future of the Davis Cup, but there is yet to be anything confirmed. As for the Olympic Games, they are yet to reveal any indication of attempting to modify the historic four-year event.
