Best of five still a live issue for Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has laid out a compromise suggestion for tennis as the debate of best of five matches heats up with Wimbledon entering the decisive second week.

The world No. 2 who will  bid for a return to the quarter-finals here against Holger Rune, suggested that if change becomes absolutely necessary, it might be a thought to play early rounds of Grand Slams as the best of three sets but kicking up the tension in the closing stages with five-set contests.

Three of his own nine finals at the All England Club have gone the distance, including his celebrated title victories over Roger Federer in the 2014 and 2019 finals.

“It (2019) was one of the most exciting matches I’ve ever played in my life; I think it was the first year they introduced a 12-all tiebreak. We used it right away the first year in the final,” the seven-time champion here said.

The 37-year-old called five-set thrillers “an important aspect of the history and of the future, as well, of the sport.”

But he did have a suggestion: “I’m maybe thinking it could be good to (play) opening rounds as best-of-three, then move into best-of-fives from the fourth rounds or quarters. 

“I think best-of-five, particularly in the last three or four rounds of a Slam, you need to keep.

“The Grand Slams are always going to do well. I think our Tours need to do better,” added the founder of the breakaway player council the PTPA.

“There is a huge space for growth, (but) we are quite fractioned as a sport. There’s quite a bit of things to collectively look at and try to Improve.”

Main photo:- Novak jokovioc waves to fans at Wimbledon – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd