Novak Djokovic has voiced concern over the limited involvement of top players in opposing the shift to extended two-week Masters events. Speaking candidly, the Serbian star acknowledged that while many players have expressed dissatisfaction with the change, few actively participated during critical moments of negotiation and decision-making.
Long-term contracts make reversal unlikely
Djokovic pointed out that the current structure of the Masters events is backed by long-term contracts, some reportedly lasting up to 30 years. He suggested that unless all tournament organizers and the ATP Board align in support of reverting to the previous format, a reversal is highly improbable. The financial stability and revenue generated by these extended events further complicate any potential changes.
Players’ voices not matched by action
While Djokovic supports the concerns raised by fellow players, he emphasized that meaningful change requires more than vocal opposition. He noted that during key phases of negotiation, many players—especially top-ranked ones—did not engage in the necessary discussions or meetings. This lack of active participation, he believes, undermines efforts to influence decisions that shape the future of the sport.
A call for deeper commitment to the sport’s future
Djokovic stressed the importance of player involvement not just for personal benefit but for the growth and sustainability of tennis for future generations. He acknowledged the difficulty of committing time and energy to administrative matters but urged players to recognize the long-term impact of their engagement. Despite his doubts about immediate change, he left the door open for future dialogue, hoping that players will take a more proactive role moving forward.
This is what he said:
Novak: “I don’t see how that’s gonna happen to be honest. The contracts are quite solid as I understand, 30 year contracts. I don’t know. Unless all the masters events come together and the ATP Board on the tournament side is supportive of the idea of going back, which I really doubt. I don’t know. I don’t know what the sentiment is from the tournaments side to be honest. I have noticed that a lot of players, a lot of top players have been quite opposing the new change of the almost two-week events, the Masters level. I support the players. But at the end of the day, when the players needed to be active and when there was a time of negotiations and decision-making, players weren’t participating enough.
This is an ongoing story of the players, particularly top players. They express their feelings, but then when you really need to put in the time and the energy into conversations, meetings, which I know it’s very difficult. I have been there, trust me, many times. But it’s necessary because then, you know, you’re doing something not only for yourself but future generations, and you’re making the right moves, the right steps and contributing. I don’t know. Let’s see what happens. I doubt anything will change in the foreseeable future when it comes to these contracts. They’re quit solid and bring a lot of revenue to the tournaments.”
Novak Djokovic in 2025
Now the world no.7, Djokovic played his last match on the 11th of July when he lost to world no.1 Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Wimbledon (draw).
This season Novak has managed to achieve an overall 26-9 record. The Serbian clinched 1 title in Geneva. Djokovic was the finalist in Miami.