Novak Djokovic calls for major change amid talk of rebel LIV Golf-style tennis tour
The world number one expressed his support for the introduction of the Rebels tennis tournament and stressed the need for innovation in the sport.
Novak Djokovic supports the introduction of the Rebel Tennis Tour and says the sport needs innovation. Image: Getty
Novak Djokovic has called for innovation in tennis, which appears to have spurred a potential rebel tournament. The LIV golf-style tennis tournament is rumored to launch in early 2025, rivaling the ATP and WTA tournaments. The Saudi-backed league will have a hard time resisting the huge sums of money that the world’s best tennis players will throw at it. He says he is not in the dark about the new league, but the world number 1 wants to hear more. . “In general, I’m always in favor of developing this sport,” Djokovic said ahead of Serbia’s appearance in the United Cup in Perth. “As I’ve said before, I don’t think tennis is reaching its full potential. We’re one of the most famous and popular sports in the world, but I think in some ways we’ve been very conservative and traditional. We don’t think we’re going to attract a younger audience I couldn’t. “I’m a firm believer in our history, our traditions, everything. I think we should always cherish it, but I also think we have to adapt to modern times and understand what the younger audience wants and try to tennis real attractive for this group. This is from a general perspective. And where I am (if you are talking about Rebel Tours), I don’t know what elite tour you are talking about. “I’ve heard rumours, but it looks like they’re still in the early stages and nothing concrete has come out yet,” he said.
Women’s world number five Jessica Pegula said it was only a matter of time before the Rebels Tour began and “it was a matter of money”. “Honestly, I think it’s inevitable,” the American said. “There is a lot to talk about. I think it’s been going on for about a year.