Djokovic and a curious reflection on the future of racket sports

Carlos Navarro | 22 Mar 2025 | 00.39

Novak Djokovic. Source: Getty

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It had been over a month and a half since Novak Djokovic had not secured a victory on the ATP circuit, specifically since the well-known Australian quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz. The disappointments in Doha and Indian Wells preceded a notable debut at the Miami Open 2025, where he comfortably defeated Hijikata to once again taste the sweetness of victory. Was he truly satisfied with his level? Does he see himself conquering the title here? Questions that needed answering in a new press conference, this time, with a wide smile on his face.

- First match and first victory in Miami six years later

"It's been a perfect start to the tournament. Six years have passed, too long. I was really eager to step onto the court and deliver a better performance than in the last couple of tournaments. I've had two weeks since the last match I played in Indian Wells, plenty of time to work on my tennis. That has been reflected positively in my game today, especially for a set and a half, nearly flawless tennis. I am very pleased with how I felt on the court."

- Did you feel much pressure after your last two defeats?

"It was crucial to deliver a great match. I wanted to send a message, to myself and to others, that I am still capable of playing at a high level. I lost in the first round in two tournaments, so I was hungry to win here in my debut. Nearly perfect tennis for a set and a half. There, I think he raised his level, took the second set to a deserved tiebreak, and I played a great tiebreak. In summary, there are always things to work on, but it's about maintaining this level of tennis and progressing even more as the tournament goes on."

- Regarding how racket sports like paddle tennis or pickleball are becoming increasingly closer to tennis, shaping the global and collective ecosystem

"I believe that in the future, at least recreationally, tennis clubs will turn into racket clubs, honestly. Seeing the growing popularity of pickleball in this country, and especially paddle tennis globally... it's huge, and I think, for example, paddle tennis is a great sport for recreational players who may have never held a racket before. It's easier to teach and play than tennis, and it's fun, it's a social activity.

I think the future of clubs is a hybrid of all these sports. At a professional and competitive level, I'm not sure. I think seeing the future of these sports, also on a professional level, will be exciting. We have to see if people are interested in watching the tournaments or not, but paddle tennis is growing very rapidly, they have had tournaments on the Central Court of Roland Garros, on the Philippe Chatrier. Obviously, I believe tennis should remain the king or queen of racket sports, it's the one that attracts more people and we have great tournaments, but it's interesting.

It could be fun to have a kind of mixed racket sports competition, where we can all try different sports and see how we do. Also, I saw, like I believe everyone did, that doctor saying that people who play racket sports live the most. So, yes, we definitely need to play racket sports (smiles)."

- 99 titles, just one away from the 100th. Where would you like to achieve it?

"In Miami, of course. No doubts. I would love to celebrate my 100th title here. We'll see, it's a long tournament. This is only the first victory. It gives me confidence, lets me know that I can play this way, but the road is long. I hope to finish well and be in a position to fight for the title, it would be amazing".

- Declined to make further comments on the PTPA lawsuit

"I'm sorry, but I want to turn the page on that issue. I've said what I had to say. Thank you".

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic y una curiosa reflexión sobre el futuro de los deportes de raqueta