Djokovic wants more fun in tennis: "We should try to connect more with the youth"

The Serbian proposes ideas at the press conference to enhance entertainment in racket sports.

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 17 Jan 2025 | 13.27
facebook twitter whatsapp Comentarios
Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open. Photo: Getty.
Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open. Photo: Getty.

Novak Djokovic won today at the 2025 Australian Open his first match in straight sets this edition. As we can see this year, the Serb continues to improve his level as he advances through the rounds in Melbourne, gaining confidence in his tennis. In the press conference, Nole comments on how he sees his level this year, as well as giving his perspective on the behavior of certain fans who went overboard in the stands.

"It was my best match of the tournament so far. I didn't have any drops in concentration or in my tennis level. Physically, it was tough for me at the beginning of the second set for about 15-20 minutes, but I managed to turn around that early break. In the third set, I felt fresher and played well to close out the match. I knew it would be a tough test; I didn't expect to win in three sets against him. He's in top form, I am still looking for my best tennis, but I prepared well and played a great match."

About his confrontation with the crowd

"Some people crossed the line. I understand having a few extra drinks, but from the court, it's frustrating, happening at a bad moment. If it goes on for an hour, someone says things you don't want to hear, and it's constant provocation, there comes a point when you respond. I tried to tolerate it, but there came a moment where I had to respond. I loved Danielle Collins' response, everything she said both on and off the court. I'm a big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I loved it."

Do you see changes in this regard in the short term?

"We have a history and tradition that we are proud of and that makes tennis different from other sports, but I think we have fallen behind a bit with changes and the pace of societal evolution. We know that the new generation doesn't have a great attention span, they want action. It's not easy for players to go from one extreme to the other. It will take a bit more time.

I think we should try to connect more with the youth and attract them. I want to see more entertainment. Why don't we consider doing something during sets like they do in the NBA or the Super Bowl? I would like to see more fun and entertainment elements in tennis, which we know has been quite traditional and conservative in some aspects. With Wimbledon, for example, I wouldn't change much. In the others, I would make gradual changes."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic quiere más diversión en el tenis: "Deberíamos intentar conectar más con los jóvenes"