Djokovic Dismisses Alcaraz, Gauff’s Criticism Of Tennis Schedule: ‘Will Change Nothing’

Novak Djokovic at the US Open (AP)

Novak Djokovic sounded a fatigued note about the scrutiny of tennis’ packed calendar, saying that discussions about reorganising the schedule have been ongoing for at least 15 years, and his fellow top players are ‘still not united enough’ or showing enough ‘care’ for anything to materialise.

The intense schedule for top players came under scrutiny again this week after world number one Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Shanghai Masters to rest. Before him, Iga Swiatek labelled the schedule ‘overwhelming’ and the Spaniard agreed, while Coco Gauff said the increase in mandatory WTA 500 events was getting ‘impossible’ to keep up with.

Speaking in Shanghai during his pre-tournament press conference for the China Open, Djokovic described the issue as ‘very complex’.

“Well, I was personally against the extension of the days of duration of the Masters 1000 events, right? I felt from the very beginning I was against it,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said. “Actually, even when I was in the council, I think I was at the time president of the council, so I was not supportive of that… I understand that there is upside to the tournaments and so forth, but as a player, I never liked that. So I do empathize or sympathize with players who are against that, because now they are realizing, I guess, that it’s not really great.”

Djokovic pointed out the ‘contradictions’ in the attempts, too.

“But at the same time, look, you know, you always have, it’s an individual sport, so there are choices to be made. In the end of the day you can still make choices. I see some players maybe say there are rules imposed and etcetera. But there are rules imposed for bonus. So you can miss the bonus, but it’s the choice that you are willing to make if you want to play less. But then there are exhibitions as well that players are signing up for, so it’s a little bit contradictory.

He also noted that there were people ‘who just don’t want to’ improve player welfare

“You need the top players, particularly, to sit down and roll up their sleeves and really care,” he added. “Because going out in the media and talking about this and that, okay, it might stir up some energy or some attention. But in the end of the day it’s not going to change, nothing is going to change, you know?”

Djokovic starts his Shanghai campaign on Friday against Croatia’s Marin Cilic, returning to action after a four-week break, having reduced the number of tournaments he participates in to maintain his top position.