Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, has expressed apprehension regarding the increasing popularity of padel, a hybrid game combining elements of tennis and squash. According to Djokovic, the surge in interest in padel poses a significant threat to traditional tennis, risking its position as the preeminent racquet sport.
Padel, played on compact indoor courts using softer balls, has garnered widespread participation, with over 30 million individuals engaging in the sport globally. Prominent figures such as Andy Murray, David Beckham, and Annabel Croft count themselves as fans of padel. Another emerging variant, pickleball, has gained considerable attention, particularly in the United States, with celebrity supporters including Kim Kardashian.
Djokovic’s concerns revolve around the decline of traditional tennis facilities, as more courts are being replaced to accommodate padel and pickleball. He highlighted the economic appeal of padel and pickleball to club owners, as multiple courts can be constructed on a single tennis court, making it a more financially attractive option.
In light of the rapid rise of padel and pickleball, Djokovic has emphasized the necessity of making tennis more accessible and affordable, particularly at the grassroots level. He stressed the significance of preserving the foundation of tennis and called for collective action to address the challenges faced by the sport.
While padel and pickleball have experienced exponential growth in recent years, with padel courts in the UK increasing tenfold since 2019 and over 200,000 amateur players across the country, traditional tennis still maintains a dominant position with 87 million players globally as of 2017.
In addition to concerns about the encroachment of padel and pickleball, Djokovic also deliberated on potential alterations to the format of tennis matches in order to capture a younger audience. Drawing a parallel to Formula 1, he emphasized the necessity for improved marketing and innovation within the sport to propel its growth and popularity.
While Djokovic acknowledged the need for innovation, he also expressed his support for preserving the five-set format, particularly in the latter stages of major tournaments, citing the ‘excitement’ it brings to the sport. He emphasized the importance of striking a balance between innovation and preserving the integrity of the game.
In conclusion, Djokovic’s concerns about the rise of padel and pickleball as contenders to traditional tennis highlight the necessity for the tennis community to address the evolving landscape of racquet sports. By taking collective action to make tennis more accessible and affordable, while also embracing innovation, the sport can continue to thrive and maintain its status as a beloved, global pastime.