Melbourne: Novak Djokovic said on Friday that tennis should be “more fun” and suggested bringing dancers onto the court during breaks.
The Serbian veteran said that although the sport has a proud history and tradition, it has been slow to catch up with the new generation who do not have “a great deal of interest”.
He was commenting after admitting he got “emotional” with members of the crowd during his Australian Open third-round win over 26th seed Tomas Machak.
He said some light entertainment in the middle of the match might help fans and players relax.
“I think we should try to reach out more to young people,” he said. “I want to see more entertainment.
“For example, why don’t we think about doing something between the sets like the Super Bowl, or, I don’t know, the NBA?
“When there’s a deadline, the dancers come in, you know, and this and that. I wouldn’t have a problem with that.
“Cute dancers, a few more minutes of rest so I can relax my nerves and think about something else.
“I feel like this will bring more fun and entertaining elements to tennis, which we know has been quite traditional and maybe conservative in some things,” he added.
Djokovic, who is seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, said he respected Wimbledon’s traditions too much to suggest holding the tournament at the All England Club.
But he was open to new concepts being introduced elsewhere.
He said, “With Wimbledon, I will not change much. I will keep it as it is because it is unique. It is all white, strawberries and cream, and everything about it is very elegant and sophisticated.”
“But all the other tournaments, the US Open, I mean, in the USA, you know very well what entertainment is.
“So I’m ready for it, just like gradual changes.
“Dancers first.”