Novak Djokovic comments on ‘tournaments wanting more profits’ as late scheduling controversy continues to be debated

Novak Djokovic calls out tournaments for poor scheduling.

Novak Djokovic comments on ‘tournaments wanting more profits’ as late scheduling controversy continues to be debated

Novak Djokovic (Image via Hindustan times)

Scheduling has become a hot topic of debate in tennis over the last few days. It came into the limelight again at last week’s National Bank Open, as multiple rain delays forced Elena Rybakina to begin her quarterfinal against Daria Kasatkina late at night.

The match didn’t finish until 3 a.m. the following morning. As a result, quite a few players, including Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Victoria Azarenka, called out the WTA for poor scheduling. Furthermore, Azarenka backed Swiatek’s call to move the night sessions forward.

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Now, 23-time Grand Slam title champion Novak Djokovic has waged into the debate. The Serbian legend called out the tournament officials for preferring profits over players health. Talking to the press on the issue, Djokovic remarked, “The tournaments are normally looking to get more profit by selling the day session and night session tickets.”

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Often, the stadiums are emptied when the day session ends, bringing on the people for the night session. While it means more money from ticket sales, it also leads to a lot of possible match time being wasted.

Speaking on the same issue last night, Azarenka said that the late finishes didn’t benefit anyone. Broadcasters have often asked for night sessions to be delayed so that they can fill the primetime slots. Speaking on how the situation affected players, Djokovic said, “Whether that’s good for players, maybe not ideal, but at the same time, you have to find balance between satisfying the fans. Tournaments are looking to obviously gain more profit and more revenue out of it.”

Notably, scheduling has been a bone of contention between the Player councils and the WTA and ATP for quite some time now. Azarenka expressed frustration over how the Players Council felt powerless in their pursuit to effect change. Djokovic backing the players on the issue might go a long way in forcing the tennis authorities to relax the timings.

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Novak Djokovic calls US Open night sessions the best in the sport

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via CNN)

The best US Open matches are often associated with the huge, closed-roof Arthur Ashe Stadium and the darkness of night. Quite a few iconic matches have gone late into the night, unlike other Grand Slam tournaments, where matches usually end early. Novak Djokovic believes that the night sessions are the most entertaining and engaging because of the fans.

Calling the US Open night sessions the best, Djokovic remarked, “The US Open night sessions are probably the most famous night sessions in our sport. There is also something about it that gets you going.” Djokovic has had his fair share of iconic late-night matches at the US Open. The most notable ones include his wins over Federer in the semi-finals of 2010 and 2011.

Novak Djokovic has returned to the US after a two-year absence. The Serb received a warm reception from the fans at his first training session in Cincinnati. Djokovic is next scheduled to play Gael Monfils in the Round of 16 at the Cincinnati Masters. Djokovic would hope that he can win a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title at the upcoming US Open. Novak Djokovic’s parents are Dijana and Srdjan Djokovic and he was raised in a very adverse pro-war environment.

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