"He's getting older, that's what I can say": Joao Fonseca chirps back at Novak Djokovic's new set format
ATPThursday, 06 August 2026 at 21:24
Novak Djokovic recently described a revamped scoring system to alter a methodology that has lasted for over 500 years and that is one that has been trialled during the Next Gen Finals and has elicited an interesting reaction from Joao Fonseca as a result.
Fonseca and Ben Shelton who have had dealings with the system have given varying degrees of issues with it and it varies from Djokovic being too old to it being unlikely to happen anyway. They both spoke at the Canadian Open.
Speaking on a podcast with Nick Koutrakos, he said: “Sets should not be played up to six games. I believe that a set should be played up to four games, with the possible abolition of the ‘advantage’ rule at 40:40.
“Matches would be played until someone wins three such shortened sets. That way, matches would not last longer than two hours, which, in my opinion, is best for everyone.”
Read also
Fonseca opposes format
But Fonseca who trialled the format as part of the ATP Next Gen Finals, has opposed such a view. “Well, I had a good time playing 4 games, 4-game sets in the Next Gen. So I can’t complain about it," said Fonseca.
“But I think he’s saying that because of his physique, you know. (Laughs). He’s getting older. Well, that’s what I can say.
“I mean, I don’t say bad things or good things, but I know it’s more about the classic tennis, the history of tennis and the tennis being 6 games during the sets; it’s important. I think it’s classic tennis. It’s the history of tennis. So, yeah. But I can’t complain because I had good results with it.”
Novak Djokovic produced thoughts on a new system.
While Ben Shelton on the other hand was more measured in his response saying it was cool, but that was unlikely to be enacted. “I think it could be cool. It was interesting coming from him, because he’s always been the guy who’s the fittest on tour, the guy that can last five hours, six hours, doesn’t matter."
“But I think it would be an interesting change, for sure. I think tennis is certainly a traditional sport, and tournaments like to stick with their traditions, but I would be interested to play some matches in this format.
“I thought it was cool the way they did it at the Next Gen finals. I like the five-set format. Whether it’s a shortened or a full format, I think it could be cool.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wow!! Haven't seen a Volley-A-Thon like that in a long time. This Bejlik girl has some great stuff. Iga got a hell of a workout.
mandoist04-08-2026 - Yes, "so cruel". It's so bad she's been forced to "train" at an exclusive resort in St. Moritz, Switzerland.mandoist04-08-2026
- Writer states: "These different brands have slight differences that the players need to get used to" That is the dumbest F-ing thing I've heard in quite some time. A sports fan (I assume a fan) telling the World's Top Players they are, essentially, full of shit.mandoist02-08-2026
- No Final today. 200% Humidity.mandoist02-08-2026
- Pro Sports is still pretending the Climate is not going to be a physical health factor -- getting hotter and more debilitating for animals and Humans. Well, it's not whether the climate is "going to" get hotter... IT IS ALREADY HERE!! Sport governing bodies and venues are -- and have been -- disregarding the warnings regarding the Future temperatures when it comes to outdoor events and potential injury (or even death) of fans & athletes alike. Are these financially greedy entities intentionally pretending Climate Change is not happening? Or merely gambling with their own futures, as well as the athletes' health and futures as well? It is time to pay attention to the warming trend and be empathetic toward their money-makers (athletes) -- not PATHETIC.mandoist29-07-2026
- CORRECTION Required: Jannik is WORLD NO. 1 and not 2. "The same can be said for Sinner and Djokovic. The """"World No.2""""" cited health reasons for not going, preserving his body for the Cincinnati Open ahead of the important US Open. If he was set to participate in both, it would be a lot of tennis with him likely to win both tournaments ahead of the trip to Flushing Meadows."J29-07-2026
- That does not sound very healthy
AceOfBase29-07-2026 - Interesting to see and watch the son of a great tennis player. Will he get better than his dad, or not :-)AceOfBase29-07-2026
- What clear-thinking player at the top of the field needs to Double-up with Ranking No. 469??mandoist27-07-2026
- It's refreshing to see a young and evolving player with enough intelligence to not fall for this 'Williams Charade'. Too bad the WTA -- and all the phony insiders -- cannot be Honest about No. 469 and put a stop to it. WTA has Qualifiers for a reason!!mandoist27-07-2026
Loading