Novak Djokovic Advocates for Hybrid Tennis Match Format

Novak Djokovic advocates maintaining the best-of-five-set format in the latter stages of Grand Slam tournaments while considering best-of-three sets for early rounds to attract a younger audience. The 2024 Wimbledon Championships witnessed a record number of five-set matches, emphasizing the drama and allure associated with extended contests. Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, acknowledges the merit of arguments against the best-of-five format due to modern attention spans but highlights the significance of five-set matches in tennis history and excitement for both players and fans. He proposes a hybrid format where opening rounds are best-of-three, transitioning to best-of-five in later stages, aiming to balance tradition with evolving preferences. Despite concerns about match duration, Djokovic values the uniqueness and appeal of five-set matches, emphasizing their exclusivity to Grand Slam events.