"The rule of scheduling, couple of things that could be adjusted": Azarenka welcome underwear rule but wants further change

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka believes some changes in the schedule could help in better marketing for tennis.

Tennis remains one of the very few sports in the world that has managed to remain relevant despite not making too many changes in its format.

Other sports such as cricket and hockey in particular found it tough to attract new viewers and therefore, they adapted different methods to engage new audiences.

Talking about that particular issue and others, the 33-year-old, while speaking to UBITennis, appreciated the recent decision taken by Wimbledon authorities about the relaxation of the all-white rule for WTA players but believes more can be done.

“I appreciate the nonfull-white rule for the girls. I think that was an important step. I think that’s very thoughtful,” she said. “I think the traditions are good, but we do want to innovate sometimes, so I think with the rule of scheduling, there will be a couple of things that could be adjusted. For me, that would be that one.

“The important part is to grow our sport and be able to have a bit more predictability with the scheduling so that it’s easier for people to follow. If that takes maybe shortening the matches a little bit and having more people coming. I feel like that will bring a little bit more marketing opportunities and it will help grow our sport.”

Azarenka won the opening round of Wimbledon on Monday where she defeated China’s Yue Yuan in three sets with a score of 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

The two-time Australian Open winner will now face Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska in the second-round fixture on Wednesday.