Alexander Zverev throws a sharp barb at Novak Djokovic amid the fiery debate over Grand Slam format changes. The world No. 1’s proposal to shorten early-round matches from best-of-five to best-of-three sets has stirred controversy, with top contenders Carlos Alcaraz and Zverev openly opposing the idea. But it was Zverev’s cheeky, no-holds-barred remark that grabbed headlines: Djokovic is pushing for this change simply because “he’s getting older now.”
Djokovic, competing at the China Open in Beijing for the first time since 2015, recently suggested overhauling the grueling Grand Slam structure to ease physical strain. The 24-time major champion, who suffered an early exit at the US Open and has reached only one final this year—the Australian Open lost to Alcaraz—argues the best-of-five format in early rounds is excessively demanding. Yet Zverev firmly disagrees. “It’s history. It’s the toughest thing to win in our sport because we play best-of-five sets; it’s physically one of the most extreme things you can go through,” the German star said at the Japan Open. “I don’t know a single player who would like to play best-of-three sets. Maybe Novak wants to play best-of-three because, of course, he’s getting a bit older now. But I think if you had asked him this 10 or 15 years ago, for sure not.”
Zverev’s blunt jab cuts straight to the heart of the debate: is Djokovic’s push for change driven by competitive advantage as age catches up? While the sport’s younger stars, including Alcaraz—who is defending his Japan Open crown—stand firmly against altering the Grand Slam legacy, Djokovic’s stance highlights the tension between tradition and player longevity.
On the court, Zverev is riding high after a breakthrough season that saw him claim his second Grand Slam title at the US Open, defeat home favorite Ben Shelton, and reach finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon. Despite this surge, the 2024 season has also taken its toll. Former World No. 1 Jimmy Connors praised Zverev’s achievements on his Advantage Connors podcast but cautioned, “I think one guy who is going to need some time off is Zverev. Keep winning, and you’ll be number one, is my thoughts. He has put out such an effort to get where he has gotten right now; he is going to need to take a breath and let himself heal physically and mentally.”
Zverev’s current campaign at the Japan Open includes a second-round showdown with Shang Juncheng after dispatching Cameron Norrie. Meanwhile, Djokovic advanced past Nuno Borges and is set to face Yunchaokete Bu in Beijing. Zverev’s quest for a title at the China Open continues, although he has yet to secure an ATP 500 crown since Munich in 2025 and last year’s Vienna final remains his sole appearance at this level.
Looking ahead, Zverev will contend at the Shanghai Masters starting October 7, seeking to improve on his 2019 runner-up finish and 2024 Paris Masters victory—the most recent Masters 1000 title in his cabinet. As the tennis world watches, the clash over Grand Slam format reforms is as heated as the battles on court, with Zverev’s pointed critique making clear that tradition and youth still hold firm against Djokovic’s controversial vision.
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