“I Was Really Shocked” – Novak Djokovic on Scarcity of Young Tennis Fans
Follow Us
World Number one tennis player Novak Djokovic was in conversation with Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini. They discussed the shape of the ATP circuit amid the coronavirus pandemic and how things would look like once the circuit resumes.
Further, Novak seemed a bit apprehensive upon learning small-scale young followers in tennis. The stat consequently puts the future of the sport under a threat.
“I was really shocked to know that in the United States and Europe, an average tennis fan is 60 plus years old,” Djokovic told Fognini.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“That is a little bit scary because that is not very positive for the future of the sport. Even though we have great fans, of course, our sport is doing well. Its a very global and international sport followed everywhere. But we have to do something to bring in the new generations.”
In 2019, Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou shared about the average age of a tennis fan being 62 and the sport is not attracting enough young audiences. The people from the days of John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg continue to follow the sport closely. The sport has gained a small percentage of new followers.
“If you look at the figures, the average age of the tennis fan is 62 years old. If we don’t do it now, it’s too late,” Mouratoglou said last year.
“The way tennis is run all around the world is not the right way because we’re not attractive to young people. We’re attractive to old people and even then I’m not sure we’re attractive. I think it’s the fans of tennis who came in the 70s and 80s.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Novak Djokovic on the evolution of structure for NextGen
After learning the reality of tennis, ATP Council’s president Novak Djokovic, with hindsight aspires to lay down a better structure of the nurturing new players. ATP has introduced NextGen ATP Finals which features the best 21-and-under professionals of the circuit.
Novak talked about the improvisations in the event. “NextGen finals in Milan, as a very good test and try to experiment with some rule changes like playing the sets up to four, very dynamic five sets. Also coaching on the court,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us