“We can spend all day talking about money,” Novak Djokovic reasons why he isn’t the ‘biggest fan’ of 96 players draw at Masters events

Novak Djokovic share his reasons about the 96-player draw format in Masters events

“We can spend all day talking about money,” Novak Djokovic reasons why he isn’t the ‘biggest fan’ of 96 players draw at Masters events

Novak Djokovic (Image via Yahoo UK)

Novak Djokovic has qualified for the round of 16 in the 2023 Italian Open after his victory against Grigor Dimitrov. Djokovic, in a post-match interview, was asked about his views on the 96 players’ draw format at Masters events. He had quite a few words to spare about this topic. He did not seem totally aligned with the new format and pointed out the flaws it has.

Novak Djokovic talked about the variable factors on which the new format could be judged upon. According to him, it is always good for the fans as they get to see more matches involving top players. From a player’s perspective, it would be harder as it takes more time, leaving them with too little time for post-tournament recovery. “Personally overall not a fan of that because I feel like we already have uh, you know, four Grand Slams a year that take two plus one week. Eventually, if you go all the way you know with training so you know you spend 10 to 12 weeks only in Grand Slams,” said Novak Djokovic.

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Novak Djokovic expressed that even though the format gave more time for recovery during the said tournament but if a player is participating in all the big events and making it deep into them, it becomes hard. Novak Djokovic pointed out that his main focus was Roland-Garros and this tournament format might leave him feeling not that fresh leading up to it.

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Novak Djokovic said, “Really depends what you, as a player, value the most or what you know what are your goals uh for me it’s it’s Roland-Garros.” Djokovic further mentioned that there will always be a financial perspective and he could spend a lot of time talking about money. He swiftly avoided the conversation and mentioned that this tournament has an advantage in giving more players the opportunity to take part.

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Novak Djokovic opens up about complaints from players

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Credits: Tennishead)

Novak Djokovic talked about the players having issues regarding transportation and accommodation at the 2023 Italian Open and Madrid Open. This is happening due to the new format of the game.

“For organization, I see it is a big challenge. It’s a big hustle to welcome so many additional players with their respective player staff members for transportation and everything. It just puts the organization to even a bigger task. There’s been complaints about Madrid and Rome tournaments from players, with their accommodations, transportation,” said Novak Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic expressed that the first year is always the hardest and situations will improve further down the line. The players need to be fit and practice a lot before the tournament. The arrangements should be made prior by the organizations to tend to their players and ensure they do not lack these basic amenities.

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