Novak Djokovic's proposal to overhaul tennis scoring has sparked debate across the sport, and two of the game's brightest young stars could not have responded more differently at the Canadian Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion recently advocated for sets to be played to four games rather than six, no advantage points, and a strict two-hour match limit. Speaking to Nick Knows Ball, Djokovic framed the changes as the best outcome for everyone. The format is already being used at the NextGen Finals, giving younger players firsthand experience of what it feels like in practice.
Joao Fonseca, who won the 2024 NextGen Finals by defeating Learner Tien, was refreshingly blunt when asked about Djokovic's motivations. The Brazilian teenager acknowledged enjoying the four-game set format but did not hold back on why he thinks Djokovic is pushing for it. He suggested Djokovic is advocating these changes because of his age and physical condition, adding that six-game sets represent the history and tradition of the sport. Still, Fonseca admitted he cannot complain since he has thrived under both systems. He made the comments after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to advance to a highly anticipated rematch with Casper Ruud, who he controversially defeated at Roland Garros earlier this season.
Ben Shelton, meanwhile, took a noticeably warmer approach. The defending Canadian Open champion called the idea interesting and said he would genuinely enjoy testing the format in competitive matches. Shelton noted the irony of Djokovic proposing shorter matches given his legendary reputation as the tour's ultimate endurance machine.
With Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic all absent from the draw, Shelton is among the favorites to retain his title, and TennisDraw users have him among the most popular bracket picks heading deep into this event.
