Novak Djokovic Questions the Activeness of Fellow Players to Oppose the Controversial Two-Week Masters Events Format

Novak Djokovic will open his US Open singles campaign against American youngster Learner Tien.

Novak Djokovic Questions the Activeness of Fellow Players to Oppose the Controversial Two-Week Masters Events Format

Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)

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Novak Djokovic has revealed that top players in the circuit aren’t participating enough when it comes to opposing 2-week 1000 events. This Serbian legend’s revelation comes just days after 14-day format events in Canada and Cincinnati were held, in which some players aired their criticism about the length of the schedule.

Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Alexander Zverev were among the players who have often criticized the revamped ATP 1000 format, which was previously a 7-day event. Although some tournaments still run with the previous format, just like the Monte Carlo Masters, most of the 1000-level tournaments have switched to 2 weeks.

However, Djokovic has indeed played in several tournaments throughout his two decades as a professional player, winning all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments. But since the start of the 2024 season, he has been absent from many Masters tournaments, and this year he didn’t compete in Madrid, Rome, the Canadian Open, or Cincinnati.

When asked whether the Masters tournaments can be switched back to the previous format during his press conference at the US Open, the 38-year-old revealed that he doesn’t know if that will ever happen as it will take a lot of commitment from the ATP organizers to do that:

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.

Djokovic, who co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) then slammed top players in the men’s circuit for failing to participate in decision-making meetings that ensure players’ welfare is prioritized on tour:

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.

Djokovic has not played a tour-level match since reaching the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championships in July. The World No.7 took a break from the tour to be with his family, but because he prioritizes Grand Slam events, he’s competing at the US Open. He featured in the revamped mixed doubles event alongside his partner Olga Danilovic and they crashed out in the first round.

Novak Djokovic’s draw at the US Open as he bids for his 25th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic is seeking his 25th Grand Slam at the US Open. The Serbian legend has tried to reach the milestone since 2024 but has failed to do so. This season, he has been to the semi-finals of the three Grand Slam events he has played. But to secure the major crown at Flushing Meadows, he might face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via Punto de Break)

Djokovic holds a 5-3 lead in their head-to-head record and won their most recent encounter at the Australian Open in four sets. Nonetheless, the former World No.1 will open his campaign at the hard-court major against American star Learner Tien. He is then projected to face a lucky loser or qualifier in the second round.

If he goes past the second round, he could possibly face another American, Alex Michelsen, in the third round. The Serbian has faced Michelsen only once in his career, and that came at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, where he defeated the American in straight sets. Djokovic is then projected to face Holger Rune or Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round.

In the quarter-finals, he could possibly take on World No.4 Taylor Fritz or Jakub Mensik, who defeated him at the Miami Open final before a potential clash with Alcaraz. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will open his account against Reilly Opelka in New York.

Also Read: Holger Rune Outlines What He Must Do to Reach the Level of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner