Novak Djokovic made a clear statement against Masters 1000 events that have switched from a one-week format to two.
This year, in a quest to open the draw to more players and increase revenue, seven of the nine Masters events expanded to a two-week format. Among them were Canada and Cincinnati and Djokovic elected to skip both events this year.
He has missed eight Masters 1000 events over the last two years, skipping Canada and Cincinnati last year as well.
“To be quite frank with you, I don’t enjoy the two-week Masters events anymore,” Djokovic said. “It’s just way too long for me. My focus is mostly on the Slams and I’ve said that before. I also like other tournaments, I’d like to play more of the other tournaments but we have currently, informally, 12 Grand Slams a year when you think about it.
“The Grand Slams are two weeks and then the Masters events are almost two weeks as well.”
Djokovic explained that his priorities have shifted more towards time with his family. The days of focusing on his ranking are in the past and it’s all about where and when he feels motivation and joy to play.
Djokovic Has Done It All In Masters Events
Just as he has the most Grand Slam titles in tennis history, Djokovic also has the most Masters titles with 40.
He has won every Masters event at least twice while no other player has completed a full set. Cincinnati has a special place in his heart, having memorably completed the set there in 2018 by defeating Roger Federer in the final. He won it again in 2020 and 2023.
The Serbian has won the Canadian Masters title four times.
Djokovic was not the only one to express frustration with the new Masters 1000 schedule changes. Taylor Fritz has done so in the past while Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both skipped the Toronto Masters event this year.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will begin another quest for No. 25 on Sunday against American Learner Tien.x
