Overloaded Schedule? Djokovic Puts on the Pressure: "Complaining Won't Change Anything"
In Shanghai, Novak Djokovic delivered a powerful speech about the tennis calendar. A direct message: without concrete commitment from the top players, things will never change.
The calendar debate resurfaced last week following comments from Iga Swiatek, echoed by Carlos Alcaraz. Both current tennis stars believe the schedule is too packed and that many tournaments should not be mandatory.
A topic on which Novak Djokovic took a stand during his press conference in Shanghai on Thursday. The Serbian, although he agrees with his peers' comments, believes there is a lack of unity:
"15 years ago, I was already saying that we needed to come together and reorganize the calendar. I was also against extending the Masters 1000 events to twelve days. It might be beneficial for the tournaments, but it's not for the players because it takes up space in the calendar and puts a strain on their health.
I understand those who complain, but in the end, tennis remains an individual sport and everyone has to make choices. There are also players who decide to participate in exhibitions, which is a bit contradictory. […]
The players are not united enough. They don't participate enough when they should. They comment, complain, and then leave. And if something isn't right, after a while, they come back (to complain).
You have to get personally involved, put energy into understanding how the system works, what can be changed and improved in the interest of the players.
The top players need to roll up their sleeves and get more involved to understand all these hot topics. Talking about it in the media will generate attention. But in the end, it won't change anything."
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Tennis is not only about top ranked players. Tennis tournaments should be easily accessible to all tennis players.
Participation shouldn't be mandatory for any tennis player.
We have heard about the hardships that many lower ranked tennis players go through because of financial constraints.
There is a huge prize money difference between winners and non-winners. The prize money for winners should be reduced and it should increase for non winners / participants. Any money saved from such a reduction should be used for tennis infrastructure, players welfare and development.
I believe, this way, we will be able to find more top talent like Alcaraz and Sinner faster. The objective should be to propagate tennis and not just create a few wealthy tennis players.