"Tennis needs a person like Novak Djokovic to lead it" - Fans back Serb's concerns about padel and pickleball's rising popularity 'endangering' tennis

Novak Djokovic recently voiced his concerns regarding the inaccessible and expensive nature of tennis. According to the Serb, these flaws in the sport will, sooner rather than later, facilitate the growth of other racquet sports like padel and pickleball and make them more popular than tennis. Fans have vociferously sided with the 24-time Grand Slam winner's take on the subject.

Tennis has, for the most part of its existence, garnered the reputation of being a rich man's sport. While some exceptional players from humble roots, such as the Williams sisters and Frances Tiafoe, have established themselves at the elite level of tennis, there are many more who have failed. Despite this stinging reality, tennis remains popular around the world. However, according to Djokovic, things will go wrong for the sport if certain changes are not made.

At a press conference on Saturday, July 6, following his 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) Wimbledon 2024 third-round win over Alexei Popyrin, Djokovic explained how tennis is faltering beyond the Grand Slams. The Serb said that despite being a "global sport", tennis is still out of reach for many who simply can't afford the expenses associated with it.

However, the World No. 2 opined that for sports such as padel and pickleball, the reality stands in stark contrast to that of tennis. Djokovic predicted a future where tennis' popularity will be surpassed by that of padel and pickleball, simply because of the greater affordability and accessibility they provide to aspiring players.

"on a club level, tennis is endangered. If we don’t do something about it, globally or collectively, padel, pickleball in the states, they’re going to convert all the tennis clubs into padel and pickleball. Because it’s more economical. You have one tennis court… you can build 3 paddle courts on one tennis court. Do the simple math. It’s just much more financially viable for the owner of the club to have those courts," Djokovic said.

Several fans on X (formerly Twitter) lauded the Serb for what they felt was an honest and accurate assessment of tennis' situation.

"Novak Djokovic not only cares about the welfare of tennis players, but the future of tennis. Everything he says here is so thoughtful, true and forward-thinking. That’s what tennis needs. And tennis needs a person like Djokovic to lead it into that future," a fan wrote.

"Novak is absolutely spot on. I've seen at first hand running a Tennis club how so many people are now moving away from Tennis and to Padel and Pickleball instead. Tennis has a battle ahead as many investors are now looking to invest into Padel and Pickleball instead of Tennis," commented another fan.

"Yes, yes, yes Novak Djokovic you are spot on. Thanks for bringing attention to this important issue. If tennis is to remain competitive long term, the local clubs must become stronger!" another fan chimed in.

"He is right about them turning tennis courts into padel or pickleball courts at my local tennis court half of it has been converted, and it isn't the best," yet another fan commented.

Another set of fans cited the example of former tennis players promoting padel and pickleball, and how the recent greats such as Djokovic himself, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray should ensure that tennis keeps improving.

"Even Roger (Federer) playing padel! Why our tennis stars need to promote these semi sports?? They should fight to expand tennis & opportunities for others not creating a 2nd tier sports," wrote one fan.

"Incredibly articulate insight and thoughts. After retirement I can see Nole taking on a presidential role in tennis administration. Vital that all of the recent greats (Nole, Rafa, Roger & Murray) stay involved with our great sport," another fan weighed in.

Novak Djokovic urged peers in 2023 to become a part of the PTPA to protect tennis players' interests

The Serb at a press conference

Over the years, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has also been outspoken about the lack of tennis players' rights being protected. These views led him to establish the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) along with Canadian player Vasek Pospisil in 2019. The PTPA represents the top 500 singles players and the top 200 doubles players across the ATP and WTA Tour rankings.

Last year, the 24-time Major winner urged his peers to lend their support to the PTPA via a stirring video on social media.

"I, as a player, understand what players are going through. I’ve been playing professional tennis for 20 years. I’ve been on the council. I’ve been the president of the council for years. I feel it has been an absolute necessity to have an organization that is representing only 100 percent players’ rights," Djokovic said.

The Serb's next outing is set to be against the talented but unpredictable Holger Rune in the fourth round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, on Monday, July 8. Djokovic and Rune have faced each other on five previous occasions on the ATP Tour, with the Serb having a 3-2 edge over the Dane in their head-to-head.

Djokovic and Rune last met in the Round Robin phase of the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals. The World No. 2, who was the top-ranked player on the ATP Tour at the time, was given stiff competition across the first two sets by the Dane. However, ultimately, it was the Serb who prevailed 7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3.

If Djokovic defeats Rune, he will reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the 15th time in his career. Here, he will face either French prodigy Arthur Fils or No. 9 seed Alex de Minaur.

The Serb currently has a 21-6 win-loss record so far in the 2024 season following his victory over Alexei Popyrin.