Novak Djokovic pushes for tennis scoring overhaul to cut match length

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, has called for a major change to the sport’s scoring system. In an interview with content creator Nick Coutracos at the Fanatics Fest in New York, he suggested that sets be played to four games instead of six, eliminate the advantage at 40‑40, and retain a best‑of‑five‑set format. The aim, he said, is to keep matches within a two‑hour window and make tennis more appealing to younger audiences.

Djokovic noted that a similar four‑game set format is already used in the ATP Next Gen Finals, which serves as a testing ground for innovations. He argued that the current schedule, with matches often lasting three hours or more, risks losing the attention of newer fans. The proposal has sparked debate across the tennis community about preserving tradition versus modernising the sport.

His comments come as he prepares to compete at the upcoming Cincinnati Open, marking his return to the event after a three‑year hiatus.