Novak Djokovic has come out in support of continuing the traditional use of best-of-five matches in Grand Slam tournaments, especially when he is taking on his younger peers.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion believes his experience and physical fitness gives him an upper hand when taking on the Next Generation of the Tour. In recent years there has been a debate about whether men’s matches at the majors needs to shorten to best-of-three in line with the women but there is currently not enough support for such a change. Each Grand Slam has their own rules regarding the scoring with the French Open being the only one not to use a tie-breaker for the deciding set in singles matches.
“Playing the young guys, I would prefer best-of-five to best-of-three,” Djokovic told reporters on Sunday. “I feel I am fit, I have more experience. It doesn’t guarantee me the win, but I feel like I’m in a better position. The more it goes, the more I feel I am able to wear them down.”
This year Djokovic is seeking his second title at the French Open and first since 2016. Unlike previous seasons he has taken the decision to play a tournament during the week leading up to the event with Belgrade hosting their second event. The ATP 250 tournament has been able to take place after the Grand Slam was postponed by seven days by officials. He is the only top 10 player playing on the ATP Tour this week.
Djokovic, who turned 34 on Saturday, has been an instrumental figure in promoting tennis within his county with the Belgrade tournament taking place at the Novak Tennis Center. His aim is to create tournaments at multiple levels in order to strengthen Serbia’s status as a tennis nation.
“This tournament came up as a surprise to all of us, because of Roland Garros moving. Normally, we will have one ATP and one WTA tournament, futures and challengers as well,” he said.
“The Success of a nation in tennis depends on how many events there are at home, we’re working towards setting up more Futures tournaments. Less traveling means less expenses.”
Due to a change in policy on the Tour, there will be a relaxation in some of the rules related to COVID-19. Instead of having to follow a set policy by the governing body, players will be allowed to follow local guidelines. Something Djokovic is relishing to have once again.
“We are finally free here, this is the first week on the ATP tour where you can follow the local guidelines. It brings me mental serenity and joy in order to prepare for Roland Garros,” he commented.
Heading into Belgrade Djokovic has won seven out of 10 matches played on the clay so far this season. At the Italian Open he reached the final before losing in three-sets to rival Rafael Nadal, who has won more ATP titles on the surface than any other player in history.
“I was pleased with the way I played in Rome, in the finals as well, where I felt I could have gone on for a few more hours,” Djokovic reflected. “That means I am ready to battle in the best of five. I am setting everything up to peak at Roland Garros. In Belgrade, it is about match play and some details.”
Djokovic’s first match in Belgrade will be against either lucky loser Mats Moraing or Egor Gerasimov.
