Novak Djokovic’s press conference after the victory against Alexei Popyrin has become an opportunity for the Serbian tennis player to talk about the problems and challenges of the tennis world from his point of view.
From a question in which he was asked his opinion on whether in Grand Slam tournaments the 5-set format should be confirmed or the move to 2 out of 3 sets, the Serbian has elaborated a long and articulated reasoning with a deep analysis on several problems of the tennis world.
Novak Djokovic reached the last 16
Novak Djokovic is still not at the top of his form after knee surgery, but he has shown a desire to compete and hopes to grow as the days go by.
“Today in the Grand Slams – opened his analysis Djokovic – there were matches at the best of the 5 sets and I guess this is what excites the fans the most. And it also applies to us players. One of the most exciting games I’ve played in my life, was the 2019 Wimbledon final against Federer.
It was the first year they introduced the tie-break after reaching 12 in the fifth set. If that game had been better than three sets it would have been very different. Another situation: Rune, my next opponent, today would be out on the three sets, instead he came back from two sets below and is still in the race”.
“Over the course of my career – analyze the 24-time Slam champion – there have been several games where I was down two to zero or two to one and then I won. They are a very important aspect of the history and future of this sport.
I am in favour of five-set matches, especially in the final Grand Slam rounds. I’ve seen a lot of discussion about this, a lot of people ask themselves whether Slams should be the best of three sets. The only thing that I think could be good is to consider putting the first rounds at the best of the three sets.
And playing the best of the five sets from the fourth round or the quarter-finals. I don’t know, that’s my thought. But I think it should remain the five sets, especially in the last three or four rounds of the Slam”.