Novak Djokovic used his Wimbledon press conference following a victory over Wu Yibing to argue that professional tennis requires fundamental structural reform, citing an oversaturated calendar and rising injury rates among players.
What did Djokovic say about the state of tennis?
The seven-time Wimbledon champion stated that "tennis really needs a reset of some kind on a bigger level" and that "our tours respectively are not functioning well at all," according to Tennis Majors. Djokovic framed the problem as rooted in commercial pressures that prioritise expanding tournament duration and adding events rather than player welfare. He acknowledged his own privileged position—he plays fewer events than most professionals—but expressed solidarity with players like Carlos Alcaraz who have complained about spending excessive time away from home.
Why did Djokovic single out Masters 1000 expansion?
Djokovic directed his sharpest criticism at the expansion of Masters 1000 events to two weeks, a change he said he has always opposed. "Commercially it adds value, but adds value for who?" he asked, noting that the expansion primarily benefits tournament owners rather than players, according to Tennis Majors. He argued that the extension of tournaments and the congestion of the calendar contribute to rising injury rates, which he characterised as a symptom of deeper structural problems rather than an isolated issue.
What is the broader context?
The comments reflect an ongoing tension within professional tennis between commercial growth and player health. Djokovic's remarks at Wimbledon follow a pattern: he has previously used the tournament's press conferences to address systemic issues affecting the sport. His call for reform touches on governance questions that affect the ATP and WTA tours, though he did not propose specific solutions in the available reporting.
The second round of Wimbledon is scheduled to continue in the coming days.
Sources
- Puntodebreak.com: Djokovic explodes against current tennis: "We need a complete reset". Published 2026-06-30.
- Tennis Majors: "Tennis needs a reset": at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic takes the floor on the future of his sport. Published 2026-06-30.
Reported from public sources.