Novak Djokovic calls for a modernization of tennis. More entertainment during match breaks should help make tennis more attractive for younger generations.
by Isabella Walser-Bürgler
last edited: December 18, 2025, 1:25 p.m
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When Novak Djokovic talks about the future of tennis, people usually listen carefully. The Serb has been using his position as one of the sport’s greatest for years to initiate change. A central question that concerns him at the moment is how tennis as a whole can become more ‘modern’ in a changing society without becoming disloyal to the game itself.
Tennis as a ‘product’ is too conservative
Djokovic primarily sees a structural problem in tennis: tradition and history often stand in the way of meaningful innovation. Compared to other major sports, Djokovic’s judgment is that tennis lags behind social development. This is particularly true with regard to younger target groups who have a shorter attention span. For Djokovic, there is untapped potential here that is blocked by rigid ways of thinking.
More entertainment between sets
Specifically, Djokovic recently brought up the idea of staging the breaks in the match more strongly. In this regard, he refers to short shows such as those used in the NBA or at the Super Bowl. The aim is to create additional entertainment for sports entertainment without changing the game itself (as Piqué recently demanded). For Djokovic, such shows would be the first logical step to make tennis more accessible and lively.
Your own legacy
Djokovic’s stance is also remarkable because, at least currently, he is no longer the dominant figure on the tour. At the age of 38, he was overtaken by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner this season. However, Djokovic seems to be thinking long-term. It is quite possible that he wants to be part of a renewal that will shape tennis over the next few decades and that will bear his signature.
Gauff surprised
Coco Gauff, however, reacted with surprise to Djokovic’s suggestion. She saw practical limits to the short changeovers (in her opinion these were already too short anyway), but was not fundamentally opposed to the idea of mini-shows. The rest of the tour has not yet commented on Djokovic’s ideas.
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Novak Djokovic
Senser Jannik
Carlos Alcaraz
Cori Gauff
