Djokovic: Tennis Players ‘Still Not United Enough’ Over Calendar Reform

Novak Djokovic has once again raised concerns over the demanding tennis calendar, saying that players are “still not united enough” to bring about change despite years of discussions.

The debate resurfaced this week after world number one Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the Shanghai Masters to rest, following a string of injuries at the China Open. Fellow Grand Slam champions Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek also criticised the relentless schedule, arguing that the number of tournaments risks player health and performance.

Speaking in Shanghai, Djokovic highlighted how the issue has persisted throughout his career:

More than 15 years ago I was talking about us needing to come together and reorganise the schedule,” said the 38-year-old, who boasts 24 Grand Slam titles.

The Serbian star admitted the problem is “very complex”, pointing out that the sport’s individual nature makes it difficult to unite players behind one vision.

“It’s an individual sport... at the end of the day you can still make choices,” he said.

However, Djokovic argued that “there are people who just don’t want to change things in our sport for the better... when it comes to the players’ welfare.”

He stressed that genuine reform will only come if the game’s biggest names act collectively:

“You need the top players, particularly, to sit down and roll up their sleeves and really care.”

Djokovic begins his Shanghai campaign on Friday against Croatia’s Marin Čilić, currently ranked 94th. The Serb has reduced his schedule in recent years in a bid to extend his dominance at the top of the sport. His last appearance came at the US Open in September, where he was beaten in the semi-finals by Alcaraz.

Key Takeaways:

• Djokovic says tennis players are “still not united enough” to reform the schedule.

• Alcaraz, Gauff, and Swiatek have all voiced frustration at the demanding calendar.

• Injuries at the China Open highlight growing concerns over player welfare.

• Djokovic urges top players to lead the push for meaningful change.

• Serb faces Marin Čilić in his Shanghai opener after a four-week break.

With stars calling for reform, the pressure is mounting on tennis authorities to address the calendar and protect player welfare in a sport that continues to push its elite to the limits.