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Djokovic's Match Length Proposal Meets Mixed Reactions
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Slovenia /Sports

Djokovic's Match Length Proposal Meets Mixed Reactions

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Novak Djokovic proposed shortening tennis matches to best-of-three sets with fewer games per set.
  • Young Brazilian player Joao Fonseca disagreed, suggesting Djokovic's proposal stems from his age.
  • Other players, like Ben Shelton, expressed interest in trying the proposed shorter format.

Novak Djokovic's proposals to shorten tennis matches have sparked debate. The Serbian star suggested playing sets to four games, potentially without advantages, and best-of-three sets overall, aiming to keep most matches under two hours. "This is better for everyone," Djokovic stated at the Fanatics Fest event. However, 19-year-old Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca voiced his disagreement. "He's getting old. Well, that's all I can say," Fonseca remarked, implying the suggestion stems from Djokovic's physical condition. Fonseca acknowledged enjoying shorter sets at the Next Gen ATP Finals but believes Djokovic's idea is more about tradition than a universally beneficial change. He emphasized the historical significance of six-game sets. American player Ben Shelton, however, showed openness to the idea. "I think it could be a good idea. It was interesting that Novak said this, as he has always been the most physically fit player on tour," Shelton commented, noting Djokovic's endurance. Shelton found the format used in the Next Gen finals engaging and would be curious to see a shortened version of the main tour matches.

Igrali bi do ลกtirih iger v nizu, po moลพnosti brez prednosti znotraj igre, in na tri dobljene nize. Tako bi veฤino dvobojev ohranili znotraj dveh ur, kar je bolje za vse.

โ€” Novak DjokovicDjokovic explaining his proposal for shorter tennis matches.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.