Kim Clijsters Rejects Novak Djokovic’s Tennis Modernization Proposal: “It Would Be a Shame”

Novak Djokovic shared his plans to modernize the tennis scoring system during a recent interview with Nick Knows Ball. As per the 24-time Grand Slam champion, instead of six, there should be four games in a set with no advantage, and that the matches should be kept within a two-hour window.

As expected, his opinions sparked mixed reactions. Some of those who criticized his plans believe Djokovic wants to make things easier for him now that he has reached the twilight of his career. And now former WTA World No.1 Kim Clijsters has given her verdict on it. She completely disagreed with the Serb.

I think there’s nothing greater than seeing a four- or five-hour match. And they don’t happen every day, right? But to have a few of them in a tournament, especially if you can have a Novak against [Jannik] Sinner or Novak against Rafa [Nadal], Rafa against Roger [Federer], like those moments I feel stand out so much in the history of our sport. And it would be a shame if we don’t have that.

Kim Clijsters said on the Love All podcast

Djokovic played a marathon thriller at this Wimbledon. He clinched the win in the quarterfinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime in five hours and 15 minutes (the longest quarterfinal in the history of Wimbledon).

But I get, you know, from especially from Novak’s side, and I hear it a lot in the business world as well. There’s a lot of people who talk about that TV, and it would make things a lot easier for a lot of parties that are investing into the sport. But I think as a player I’m also kind of old school, like I don’t like to see a lot of changes to our sport. Like I remember when the on-court coaching was happening, I was like, what are we doing?

Kim Clijsters added

Djokovic was last seen in action in the Wimbledon semifinal against eventual champion Sinner. The seven-time champion at SW19 lost that match in straight sets.

Djokovic has played five tournaments so far this season, reaching the final just once. At the Australian Open, after beating two-time defending champion Sinner in a five-set semifinal, Djokovic lost in four sets to Carlos Alcaraz.

Joao Fonseca on withdrawals of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner from the Montreal and Cincinnati events

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic are not competing at the Canadian Open. Djokovic hasn’t come to Canada to play since his third-round exit in 2018. Alcaraz is nursing a wrist injury, while Sinner prioritized his health instead of chasing the historic Golden Masters.

But Joao Fonseca, the rising star from Brazil, is competing, and he kicked off his campaign with a straight-set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. Following his win, he sat for an interview with Tennis Channel, during which he was asked about the withdrawals of these top players.

You learn a lot, but at the same time, you see the draw a little bit more like there’s a little more of chance. I like watching both [Sinner and Alcaraz]. Djokovic…it’s difficult nowadays to see him because he only plays a few tournaments in the year… It’s good to have these guys on tour.

Fonseca will next be facing three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud, who knocked out Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the previous round. The 19-year-old made his debut in this event last year and lost in the first round.

After Toronto, Fonseca will play in Cincinnati. Sinner and Djokovic will also be competing there, but Alcaraz deemed it best to delay his comeback. The Spaniard was last seen in action in the opening round of the Barcelona Open.

Also read: Andy Roddick Makes ‘It Just Stinks’ Comment About Emma Raducanu’s US Open Withdrawal