Novak Djokovic on winning a record-extending 11th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, but that hasn’t stopped him from looking ahead to the US Open.
Former ATP number one Djokovic has stormed into the Australian Open fourth round, having beaten Tomas Machac in round three.
Youngsters Jaime Faria and Nishesh Basavareddy both took sets off the Serbian in the opening two rounds, but he was able to make it past Machac in straight sets.
A round four clash has now been set up against Machac’s fellow Czech Jiri Lehecka, with Djokovic chasing a 100th ATP title and 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic has no plans to retire anytime soon, meaning such titles could be clinched before he hangs up his racket.
Novak Djokovic says how tennis has been ‘a little bit behind’ other sports
His latest Australian Open press conference touched on his improving level at the tournament, but also drew attention to the actions and comments from Danielle Collins after her latest win.
The American put her hands to her ears and blew kisses to the crowd after beating Australian Destanee Aiava, as well as sarcastically thanking critical fans for paying her bills.
Djokovic loved the behaviour of Collins, with the Serbian having been asked if tennis be less serious about such actions.
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“I don’t know,” he said. “Yes and no. We have the history and tradition that we are proud of and makes our sport different from other sports, but at the same time, you know, I think we have been a little bit behind the other sports with changes and trying to keep the pace with the evolution of society and the new generation that we all know doesn’t have that much of a great attention span, and they want the movement.
“So, for example, the last couple of years I think only that we have this new rule where people are able to come in even if it’s not a changeover. So I guess that’s one of the ways to really try to open up a bit more and not have strict rules.
“It’s not easy for players, I guess. I mean, from my side, not easy to go from one end to another extreme and just let everybody say whatever they want to say, talk, scream during the point.
“So I feel with tennis it takes a little bit more time, but with NextGen Finals, which is a concept that I think is very positive for our sport, and I had my differences with Chris Kermode, our former president, but with NextGen Finals, I think it was a brilliant idea to test, you know, certain changes that we might want to implement on the tour level, highest tour level.
“I don’t know if they still have it. They had these headphones, coaching, and then everyone watching on TV can hear what the player and coach are talking about, Fast4 sets, no ad, no let.
“Maybe not everything is ready to be implemented on the highest level, but I think there are certain changes that are worthy of consideration.”
Novak Djokovic wants to see ‘more entertainment’ in tennis as he makes US Open suggestion
Djokovic’s lengthy response didn’t end there, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion discussing what could be done at specific tournaments, primarily the US Open.
“So yeah, I think that we should try to look to connect more with the younger people and bring them,” he continued. “I want to see a little bit more entertainment.
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“For example, why wouldn’t we consider doing something between the sets like the Super Bowl or, I don’t know, the NBA, right?
“When there is a timeout, they have, you know, dancers come in and this and that. I wouldn’t have a problem with that.
“Nice dancers, you know, there for a few minutes, more break so I can relax my nerves and think about something else.
“I feel like it would bring a more fun element and entertainment to the tennis that we know has been quite traditional and maybe conservative in some things.
“When we talk about conservative, we know Wimbledon is the most conservative. But, for example, with Wimbledon I wouldn’t change much.
“I would keep it as it is, because it’s so unique, all white and strawberries and cream and everything about it is just so elegant and classy.
“But all the others, US Open, I mean, in USA, you guys know very well what entertainment is about. So I’m up for it, just like maybe gradual changes. Dancers first.”
Dancers would undoubtedly be a step too far for Wimbledon, which incidentally has already made a significant change.
Line judges will be replaced by electronic line calling at the All England Club from 2025, with the former disappearing after 147 years of service.
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