Overview
- Early this week Novak Djokovic publicly called for sets to be played to four games with possible no-advantage scoring while keeping best-of-five at Grand Slams.
- Djokovic framed the proposal as a way to limit match length to about two hours so players face less physical strain and broadcasters gain more predictable schedules.
- He argued a simpler, shorter format would help attract younger fans and respond to growing competition from sports such as padel and pickleball.
- Commentators noted the change would raise the value of every point, likely increase match volatility and could alter who benefits in Grand Slam runs given Djokovic’s recent long five-set matches.
- No governing body has announced any review and observers point out that any rule change would need agreement from the ITF, Grand Slam organisers, the ATP/WTA and broadcasters, with shorter-format trials such as UTS offered as precedents.