Djokovic's radical idea to help tennis keep pace with new generation: 'Dancers on court and fun elements'

Novak Djokovic has proposed a few interesting changes to make tennis more “fun” and attractive, including a suggestion that dancers come out on stage and perform during breaks between sets.

Djokovic, who defeated Thomas Machac to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday, felt that these changes will help tennis connect with younger people.

Djokovic wants ’traditional’ tennis to change

“I think that we should try to look to connect more with the younger people. I want to see a little bit more entertainment.

“For example, why wouldn’t we consider doing something between the sets like the Super Bowl or, I don’t know, the NBA? When there is a timeout, they have, you know, dancers come in and this and that. I wouldn’t have a problem with that,” suggested Djokovic. “Nice dancers, there for a few minutes more break so I can relax my nerves and think about something else,” he added.

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The 24-time Grand Slam winner said that while tennis has been “traditional and conservative”, such an idea would bring “more fun elements and entertainment”. “I feel like it would bring more fun elements and entertainment to tennis, that we know has been quite traditional and maybe conservative in some things.”

‘No changes to Wimbledon’

The tennis star, however, added that changes shouldn’t be made to Wimbledon.

“With Wimbledon, I wouldn’t change much. I would keep it as it is because it’s so unique, all white and strawberries and cream and everything about it is just so elegant and classy,” he said.

“But all the others, US Open, I mean, in USA, you guys know very well what entertainment is about. So I’m up for it, just like maybe gradual changes. Dancers first,” added the former World No 1. Djokovic will take on Jiri Lehecka of Cezhia in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Sunday.