Djokovic explodes against current tennis: "We need a complete reset"

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Novak Djokovic overcame a tough match against Wu Yibing to advance to the next round of Wimbledon 2026, but the big news was his statements in the press conference. The Serbian made one of the deepest reflections in recent times on the current state of professional tennis, questioning the calendar, the functioning of the ATP, and the direction in which this sport is heading.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion expressed concern about the increasing number of injuries, defended the need to reform the structure of the circuit, and criticized the extension of the Masters 1000 to two weeks, a measure he had always opposed. Additionally, he discussed the future of the PTPA, expressed support for Boris Becker, and praised the level displayed by Wu Yibing. In conclusion, Novak Djokovic left no one indifferent with his words in the press conference of Wimbledon 2026.

Novak Djokovic Calls for Urgent Changes in Professional Tennis and Criticizes the ATP Calendar

Djokovic Calls for a Total Change in Tennis and Questions the Operation of the Circuit

The Serbian believes that tennis has reached a point where it is essential to rethink the functioning of the circuit if growth in the coming years is to be guaranteed. He sees the increasing injuries as just a consequence of a much deeper problem.

"Statistics show that there are more injuries occurring, and I think we need to analyze it from two perspectives. The first, which currently dominates our sport, is the commercial one. There is a constant push to increase the economic value of tennis by creating longer tournaments, extending their duration, and adding new events to a calendar that is already completely saturated.

I am privileged to choose where I play and am not as exposed to the demanding calendar as most players. But I fully understand the complaints of Carlos Alcaraz and many others when they say they spend too much time away from home. I don't like it either.

I believe tennis needs some kind of large-scale reset. The circuits are not functioning well. There are many things happening behind the scenes, too many conflicts between the governing bodies of our sport, and very little unity. The Grand Slams will always be the cornerstones of tennis, but the circuits need to reconsider the calendar, the formats, and many of the current rules. All involved parties need to sit down and think about what is best for the future of this sport."

Novak Djokovic Criticizes the Extension of the Masters 1000

Djokovic explained in detail why he had always been opposed to the extension of the Masters 1000 to two weeks and stated that the main beneficiaries have not been the players. "I have always been against this format. From a commercial standpoint, it does generate more value, yes, but the question is: value for whom? Mainly for the tournament owners.

I tried many times to explain to the players that they needed to understand the background of that thirty-year agreement because, in reality, they were not benefiting as much as they thought. Those additional four days generate much more money for the tournaments than for the players themselves. Many owners have used this to build new stadiums or improve their facilities, but these investments are also later used as arguments during economic distribution negotiations.

Players only share in the stadium revenues for the two weeks of the tournament. The other fifty weeks of the year, all that money goes directly to the facility owner. When I was president of the Player Council, I tried to prevent that agreement, but I did not have enough power to do so. In the end, it went through, and now we have to live with the consequences."

Djokovic Proposes a More Dynamic Tennis to Attract New Generations

The former world number one also reflected on the need to adapt tennis to current consumption without losing its historical essence. "I will always defend the tradition and history of this sport, but we also need to ask ourselves how we can get young people interested in tennis. A few years ago, the PTPA conducted a study revealing that the average age of tennis fans was 61 years old. With all due respect, we need to attract a much younger audience.

Young people might watch the Grand Slams but they won't sit for four or five hours every day in front of a match. Attention spans have changed, and we need to understand how the current market works. In my opinion, circuit tournaments should experiment with more dynamic formats, shorter matches, and more appealing proposals for the audience. The Grand Slams are a different story, but outside of them, we should dare to innovate."

The Serbian Explains Why the PTPA was created and does not rule out returning in the future

Djokovic also addressed the delicate situation the PTPA is currently facing, undergoing internal changes following recent legal conflicts. "The PTPA was founded with the idea of representing all players, especially those whose voices were never heard.

I have always said that the current structure of the ATP generates a constant conflict because players and tournaments often have completely different interests. I spent many years within the Player Council and know perfectly well how the system works. As a player, you cannot really change things from within.

That's why we founded the PTPA with Vasek Pospisil. We wanted to have a seat at the table where actual decisions are made. Many things happened thereafter, and the organization took a direction with which I personally did not identify. That's why I decided to step aside.

I do not rule out returning one day because I still believe such an organization is necessary and must coexist with the rest of tennis's entities. There are currently many sensitive issues open, and I prefer to observe how everything evolves."

Djokovic Hopes to See Boris Becker Back at Wimbledon Soon

The Serbian also publicly expressed his wish for Boris Becker to return to the All England Club, as the German is still unable to enter the UK. "I spoke with Boris before Wimbledon and asked about his situation. Unfortunately, he still does not have permission to enter the UK.

I would love to see him back here. He is a true legend of our sport, was my coach during one of the most successful stages of my career, and above all, he is a great friend. He has a special connection with Wimbledon because of all he achieved here. I sincerely hope that the authorities reconsider his situation, and he can return soon."

Wu Yibing Pushes Djokovic to the Limit

Although the press conference focused on institutional matters, Djokovic also wanted to highlight the outstanding level displayed by Wu Yibing, whom he described as one of the most demanding opponents he has encountered at Wimbledon. "I thought I could close the match in three sets, but suddenly he started playing incredible tennis. He served well, returned deep, hit with a lot of pace, and for many moments, I couldn't find any weakness in his game.

I also dropped my level a bit, but it was because he made me with his consistency and aggressiveness. In the fourth set, I was really up against the ropes. Honestly, I probably should have lost that set. In the end, I found good serves at crucial moments and had a bit of luck on some decisive points. It was one of those matches where you have to dig really deep to come through."

Beyond the victory over Wu Yibing, Novak Djokovic used the press conference of Wimbledon 2026 to once again act as one of the most influential voices in world tennis. The Serbian not only questioned the direction the circuit is taking but issued a call for reflection to all sports entities, convinced that only a profound reform will allow tennis to continue growing and connecting with the new generations.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic estalla contra el tenis actual: "Necesitamos un reseteo completo"