Novak Djokovic says he no longer enjoys playing in Masters 1000 events since changes have been made to its schedule ahead of his return to action at the US Open.
The former world No. 1 currently has 40 Masters titles to his name, more than any other player has won since the category was introduced in 1990. He has also settled for runner-up on 20 other occasions so far in his career, including this year at the Miami Open.
Despite Djokovic’s record, the Serbian’s love for these events has decreased since organisers opted to increase the duration of the tournaments to 12 days, with Monte Carlo and Paris being the only exceptions. During this year’s North American hardcourt swing, the Canadian Open final took place on Thursday and the Cincinnati title match was held on a Monday under the new schedule. Two events Djokovic opted not to participate in.
“I decided not to play because I wanted to spend more time with my family,” Djokovic said during his press conference at the US Open’s media day on Friday. “And to be honest, you know, I think I earned my right and have the luxury of kind of choosing, picking and choosing where I want to go and what I want to play.”
“I don’t actually have any schedule other than Slams, to be honest. To be quite frank with you, I don’t enjoy the two-week Masters events anymore. It’s just way too long for me.”
The 38-year-old has played in four out of the eight Masters events so far this season. He has also played in three Grand Slams, two ATP 250s and one ATP 500. Unlike previous years when he would have played in more big events, Djokovic explains his current schedule reflects where he currently is in his career.
“It’s just not any more prioritizing the heavy schedule as I used to. I’m not chasing the rankings or building up my points or defending, et cetera. I just don’t think about it anymore,” he said.
“For me, it’s really about where do I find motivation and joy? Where will I be inspired to play the best tennis? And where do I care to be, really, and play? And Slams are obviously the four main tournaments where I always feel the most motivation.”
Djokovic is not alone in voicing his criticism about the duration of the Masters 1000 events. Earlier this month, Jannik Sinner told reporters that he ‘loves the one-week events.’ Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev said on the Northing Major podcast that he hasn’t ‘heard a single player say that they love the two-week Masters events’ and questions if fans liked it too.
Whilst PTPA co-founder Djokovic sympathizes with his peers about their concerns, he also believes they are their own worst enemies at times.
“I support the players,” he states. “But at the end of the day, when the players needed to be active and when there was a time of negotiations and decision-making, players weren’t participating enough.
“This is an ongoing story of the players, particularly top players. They express their feelings, but…you really need [them] to put in the time and the energy into conversations, meetings, which I know it’s very difficult. I have been there, trust me, many times. But it’s necessary because then, you know, you’re doing something not only for yourself but future generations, and you’re making the right moves, the right steps, and contributing.”
Djokovic will play Learner Tien in the first round of the US Open, who has won four out of five matches against top-10 players this year. His match is scheduled to be played on Monday.
