TENNIS in DEPTH.

Novak Djokovic, an elected member of the Players Council along with world No 1 Roger Federer and second-ranked Rafael Nadal, said the group would raise the concept with officials and stakeholders as one of a raft of ideas to invigorate the game and shorten a season many players believe is too taxing.

“Well, we proposed it,” Djokovic said. “But as I said, you know, it’s all very fresh and it’s all ideas. We didn’t decide to put anything on official terms because we have to consider other sides as well, you know. But the main point is that we are trying to make the sport improve and get better, and players are most important.”

Djokovic would not be drawn on details of the format but reports suggest the plan was the brainchild of a Melbourne-based sports marketing group and had been presented to the ATP and tennis officials in Britain, America and Australia.

The biennial tournament, branded ‘the Grand Slam of Nations’, would replace the Davis Cup and be held over 10 days and involve 32 teams pooled into four groups, with 16 progressing to a knockout stage, according to reports.

Ties would consist of five-set matches and would require at least two players to play in each tie in a sped-up programme inspired by the success of Twenty20 cricket.

Tennis Australia (TA) confirmed it had heard the proposal. “We think the concept is innovative, refreshing and thoughtfully put together,” Australia Open boss Craig Tiley said.

“Any initiative that will further expose our sport and will grow its participation, particularly in Australia but also worldwide, has to be great for tennis.”

Djokovic said the Players Council would have talks in Australia that would be “crucial” for forthcoming years.

“The only thing that I can say is that I’m happy that all the top players are willing to participate in these talks and try to contribute and fight for their own right,” he added.

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