Novak Djokovic calls for rule change after Wimbledon win and goes against Federer and Nadal

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has put forward the idea that Grand Slam tournaments might want to consider scrapping five-set matches in early rounds , proposing best-of-three set matches instead. This came after his win against Alexei Popyrin at Wimbledon.

Djokovic had to rally from a set down on Centre Court to defeat the Aussie, with the final scoreline reading 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.

Speaking in the post-match presser, when asked about the thought of shortening Grand Slam matches to three sets in initial rounds, the seven-time Wimbledon winner remarked: "I think they should stay best-of-five. The only thing that I'm maybe thinking it could be good to consider is the opening rounds that could go best-of-three."

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He went on to detail his thoughts on how the tournament format could evolve, suggesting a combination of match types: "Then you move into the hybrid of best-of-fives from the fourth rounds or quarters. That's just me, my thinking."

Djokovic, famous for his stamina in long matches and owner of a record 24 men's Grand Slam titles, hasn't won a major since the US Open last year and is yet to claim one in 2024. He concluded, "Five-set matches - nowadays you can only see them in Grand Slams, right? That's what I guess excites both players and the crowd. Most people love to see it. We as players like to play it."

Djokovic fondly recalled his intense 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, remarking, "The one that I can highlight was one of the most exciting matches I've ever played in my life, the five-setter against Federer here in the finals of Wimbledon 2019."

He mused on the dynamics of match length, noting, "So it was an incredible match with some match points saved. If that match was best-of-three - yes, I was two sets to one up - I think it would be quite different because he was the better player."

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Commenting on the endurance needed in Grand Slam events, Djokovic pointed to Holger Rune's recent comeback: "Holger was two sets to love down [against Quentin Halys on Saturday]. Still he's not out, he can still win. I think if you're physically fitter than your opponent or have more experience than your opponent in best-of-five, it still gives you a sense of confidence and tranquillity, even though you're two sets to love down."

Reflecting on his own track record, Djokovic continued, "Throughout my career, I've had quite a few matches where I was coming back from two sets to love or two sets to one down. Winning record mostly, positive score in a fifth setter."

He expressed his appreciation for such matches, concluding, "I enjoyed those throughout my career. I think they're an important aspect of the history and of the future. I would support it, particularly in the latter stages of the Grand Slam."

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