"Keep the matches within a two-hour window": Novak Djokovic proposes radical scoring overhaul to make tennis matches shorter
ATPTuesday, 04 August 2026 at 06:30
Novak Djokovic has sparked a new debate about tennis’ future after proposing one of the most radical scoring changes suggested by an active player. The 24-time Grand Slam champion believes the sport should move away from traditional six-game sets and introduce a faster format based on four-game sets, no-ad scoring and a two-hour match window.
The Serbian shared his ideas during an appearance on the basketball podcast Nick Knows Ball, where he was asked for a tennis opinion he would defend regardless of criticism. Instead of focusing on a minor adjustment, Djokovic outlined a complete overhaul of how professional matches are structured.
At 39 years old, Djokovic has competed through multiple generations of tennis and experienced some of the longest matches in the sport’s history, including several Grand Slam finals and five-hour battles.
Despite his longevity and success under the current system, he believes changes are necessary to make tennis more efficient. Djokovic’s proposal would not eliminate the physical and tactical challenge of the sport, but instead aims to create more predictable match durations.
Djokovic suggests four-game sets and no-ad scoring
During the interview with Nick Coutracos, Djokovic was asked about a controversial tennis opinion he would defend “at all costs.” The former world No. 1 responded with a proposal that would alter several fundamental parts of the game.
“We should change the format of the scoring,” Djokovic said. “Not play up to six games in a set, but play up to four. Possibly no ad, best of five sets, keep the matches within a two-hour window. It’s best for everyone.”
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The Serbian’s idea includes four major changes: shorter sets, removing advantage scoring, maintaining best-of-five-set matches and targeting a maximum duration of around two hours. Currently, professional tennis relies on six-game sets and traditional deuce-and-advantage games, formats that have remained largely unchanged for decades.
Djokovic believes the changes would benefit all parts of the sport, from players dealing with demanding schedules to fans and broadcasters looking for more consistent match lengths. “Keep matches to around two hours,” Djokovic explained. “In best-of-five sets, this would keep matches to a duration of about two hours. It would be better for everyone.”
Do you agree with @DjokerNole? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/lF8uAoogsF
— Nick Knows Ball (@nick_knows_ball) August 2, 2026
Djokovic joins a growing conversation around tennis changes
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is not the first player to suggest changes to tennis scoring. Former top-10 player Diego Schwartzman previously proposed removing advantage scoring and introducing a 10-point super tie-break in deciding sets as a way to shorten matches.
Patrick Mouratoglou, former coach of Serena Williams and founder of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown exhibition format, has also argued that tennis needs adjustments to become faster and more attractive for new audiences. His UTS format already uses modified scoring rules, shorter matches and a different competitive structure.
Djokovic is set to return to action at the Cincinnati Open, where he will continue his preparation for the final stretch of the season, with US Open as the main goal. The Serb arrives after another deep Grand Slam run at Wimbledon, where he survived an epic five-set battle against Felix Auger-Aliassime, before eventually falling to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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