Imagine a world where tennis isn't just a sport, but a dynamic force constantly evolving. But what if the very traditions we cherish are holding it back? Novak Djokovic, the tennis legend himself, believes that innovation in tennis is being actively "sabotaged"! He's not just complaining; he's determined to stick around and fight for change.
During a panel discussion at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal and UFC president Dana White, Djokovic, currently competing in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event, didn't hold back. He argued that tennis is struggling to reach its full potential because its structure and established norms stifle creativity.
Djokovic, reflecting on his career, said he gradually became less willing to simply accept tennis's "rules and norms." He sees a fundamental conflict: on one hand, tennis boasts a rich history and global appeal, something to be incredibly proud of. And this is the part most people miss... On the other, this very heritage can act as a barrier to progress. According to Djokovic, the sport's elite foundation has led to a culture where innovation is "obstructed" and even "sabotaged" because players are expected to conform to certain behaviors and traditions.
While Djokovic didn't specifically detail which innovations he believes have been stifled, his comments come amid renewed criticism of the demanding tennis schedule from top players. Behind the scenes, various governing bodies are engaged in complex negotiations aimed at streamlining the calendar. The Grand Slams, the ATP and WTA Tours, and players (including those represented by the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA), which Djokovic co-founded) largely agree that the season is too long and fragmented. But here's where it gets controversial... Finding a solution that also provides sufficient opportunities for lower-ranked players to earn a living remains a major sticking point. This issue has been at the forefront of discussions for over two years, with little progress to show for it.
In fact, the ATP, WTA, and Grand Slams have reportedly exchanged competing proposals over the past year and a half, without reaching any consensus. Furthermore, a group of top-10 male and female players sent letters to the four Grand Slams demanding greater contributions to player welfare, a larger share of revenue allocated to prize money, and the establishment of a player council specifically for the Grand Slams (both the ATP and WTA already have their own player councils).
Djokovic signed the first letter but not the second. He also hasn't joined the PTPA's ongoing lawsuit against the ATP and WTA Tours, and now the four Grand Slams. Sources familiar with the litigation (who requested anonymity to protect their relationships) say that Djokovic considered joining the lawsuit but ultimately declined. His reasoning, they claim, was to focus the action – which aims to increase prize money and create a more manageable schedule – on tennis players as a whole, rather than individual stars. The ATP and WTA have responded by attempting to move the lawsuit to a different court in the U.S. and to take it to arbitration, respectively.
Despite these challenges, Djokovic remains optimistic. Speaking in Riyadh, he expressed his belief that tennis will "rejuvenate" in the coming years due to structural changes, and he wants to actively participate in that transformation. "I feel like tennis is a sport that can be greatly transformed, and I want to be part of that change," he stated. "I want to be playing when we kind of rejuvenate our sport and set the new platform that is going to go on for decades to come."
Despite playing only 12 events in 2025, Djokovic is currently ranked No. 3 in terms of ranking points earned. He's on track to qualify for the ATP Tour Finals in Turin, Italy, although his participation remains uncertain. At the Six Kings Slam, he's set to face world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who has defeated Djokovic in their last five encounters.
So, what do you think? Is tennis truly stifling innovation, or are its traditions essential to its identity? And what changes would you like to see implemented to rejuvenate the sport for future generations? Is Djokovic right to be optimistic, or are the challenges too deeply ingrained? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get the conversation started.
