Djokovic proposes a revolution in tennis: "Sets should be played to 4 games"

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 3 Aug 2026 | 17:50
Novak Djokovic ATP puntuacion del tenis

The Serbian takes an important step in his advocacy for changes in tennis, considering it vital that formats of scoring are sought to reduce the duration of matches.

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Novak Djokovic proposes a change in tennis scoring. Photo: gettyimages

Novak Djokovic has surprised the world with some strong statements made at an event a few weeks ago in New York that have now come to light, causing quite a stir. The Serbian calls for structural changes in tennis to limit the duration of matches. Why this proposal and what is it based on?

This is not the first time that the 24-time Grand Slam winner addresses this issue, but it is one of the occasions where he does so with greater clarity. In recent years, Djokovic has insisted that tennis needs to attract a younger audience, aware that a significant part of its audience continues to be of an older age and that it competes for attention against other sports and entertainment platforms.

Instead of promoting innovations regarding the dissemination of tennis on social media and overlooking the fact that television audiences and spectators attending all tournaments continue to grow, Djokovic has taken a step further in that mantra that it is necessary to adapt to the consumption patterns of the younger generation, whose attention span is more limited.

What is Djokovic's proposal based on?

During a rapid interview at the Fanatics event in New York a few weeks ago, the Serbian was asked to mention an aspect or opinion regarding tennis for which he would be heavily criticized for stating it but which he would defend vehemently. Novak was direct and did not hold back.

"We should change the scoring format. Instead of playing sets to six games, do it to four. Possibly with golden point and best of five sets. We need to keep matches within a two-hour window. It's better for everyone."

The proposal inevitably recalls the format that the ATP has been testing for years in the Next Gen ATP Finals, where the sets are played to four games, there is a golden point when reaching deuce, and the matches present a much faster pace. Although this system was born as a laboratory to experiment with possible innovations, it has never been implemented on the main tour.

A debate that divides the tennis world

Djokovic's words once again bring to the forefront a discussion that frequently arises in professional tennis. More and more voices argue that it is necessary to modernize the sport to adapt it to consumption patterns very different from two decades ago. The main argument is that younger fans demand faster and less unpredictable spectacles in terms of duration.

However, there is also a significant current that rejects any modification of the traditional system. For many, the uncertainty about the duration of a match and the physical and mental battles involved in long matches are part of the essence of tennis and constitute one of its greatest attractions, as seen in Grand Slam tournaments, where the epic is the driving force that moves all lovers of this sport and attracts newcomers.

 

Djokovic has explained on other occasions that the goal is not to change the identity of the sport, but to find ways to reconnect with the new generations without losing what makes tennis unique. It is surprising that other methods, such as improving product management through social media, are not considered, assuming that young people will not spend five hours in front of a television but can consume many highlights, player interviews that build personal brands, social media conversations during matches, etc.

The debate, therefore, remains open. What seems evident is that the conversation will become increasingly intense in the coming years, especially in a context where the circuit continues to seek ways to make its product more appealing. 

It is well known that the influence of Novak Djokovic is notable, and it seems feasible that, even when he retires, he will remain closely tied to managerial environments in tennis due to his love for the sport and desire to improve it. His words only reinforce an idea that is gaining traction within some sectors of tennis: adapting the spectacle could be one of the major strategic decisions for the future of the sport.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic propone una revolución en el tenis: "Hay que jugar sets a 4 juegos"