Novak Djokovic has proposed a sweeping change to tennis scoring, arguing that the sport should modernise its format without sacrificing the drama that has long defined Grand Slam competition.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion believes tennis should move to four-game sets with no-ad scoring to make matches shorter and easier to follow. Speaking on the Nick Knows Ball podcast, Djokovic said he would still retain the best-of-five format at Majors, believing it remains one of the sport’s greatest attractions.
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“We should change the format of the scoring.
“Not play up to six games in the set, play it up to four, possibly no advantage. Best of five sets, keep the matches within a two hour window. It’s best for everyone.”
Djokovic has long argued that tennis needs to evolve to attract younger audiences, especially with sports such as padel and pickleball rapidly gaining popularity. The Serbian believes the traditional scoring system can appear confusing to new fans and that a more streamlined format would benefit players, broadcasters and spectators alike.
His comments come after another physically demanding Grand Slam season in which he endured several marathon matches, including a gruelling five-set Wimbledon quarter-final against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
SHORTER SETS, SAME GRAND SLAM DRAMA
Djokovic’s proposal would fundamentally change how tennis matches unfold. Reducing sets from six games to four and introducing no-ad scoring would place greater emphasis on every point, with a single service break potentially deciding an entire set.
Such a format could also increase the chances of lower-ranked players upsetting the elite, particularly on faster courts where serves dominate. At the same time, Djokovic believes retaining the best-of-five format would preserve the momentum swings, tactical adjustments and endurance battles that make Grand Slam tennis unique.
The Serbian has experienced both the rewards and challenges of lengthy contests this year. He defeated Jannik Sinner in a five-set Australian Open semi-final before falling short against Carlos Alcaraz in the title clash. At Wimbledon, another marathon victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime was followed by a semi-final defeat to Sinner, while he also let a two-set lead slip in a five-set loss to Joao Fonseca at Roland Garros.
A SPORT LOOKING TO EVOLVE
Djokovic’s suggestions arrive at a time when tennis continues to debate ways of making the sport more appealing to modern audiences. Alternative competitions such as the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) have already experimented with shorter formats, featuring timed quarters and simplified scoring.
While Djokovic is not advocating such a dramatic overhaul, his proposal seeks to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. By shortening sets rather than eliminating five-set matches, the Serbian believes tennis can preserve its greatest spectacles while making the sport more accessible and predictable for a new generation of fans.
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