Coco Gauff delivered an outstanding performance at the Australian Open, overcoming Belinda Bencic in a dramatic match. Despite losing the first set—her first dropped set in the tournament—Gauff bounced back with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory. This win secured her spot in the semifinals, where she will face Paula Badosa in what promises to be an intense showdown. During her press conference, Gauff shared her thoughts on enjoying the game and commented on Novak Djokovic’s suggestions for making tennis more engaging.
Djokovic, after his third-round win over Tomas Machac, had expressed his evolving perspective on entertainment in tennis. He praised Danielle Collins for her playful antics on the court after defeating Destanee Aiava. Collins had celebrated with gestures to the crowd, sarcastically thanking critics for “paying her bills.” Djokovic admired her confidence and questioned whether tennis could adopt a less serious approach. He acknowledged the balance between maintaining tradition and adapting to modern audiences with shorter attention spans. Suggesting innovations like halftime shows, Djokovic proposed incorporating entertainment during breaks, such as dancers performing to lighten the atmosphere and engage fans.
Coco Gauff, when asked about Djokovic’s ideas, found them intriguing but noted the practical challenges due to tennis’s short changeovers. She humorously suggested hiring street dancers for quick 90-second performances during breaks, though she admitted she hadn’t expected such a proposal from Djokovic. Gauff also commented on the brevity of changeovers and how they could be extended to allow more time for recovery and possibly entertainment.
These discussions have sparked debates among fans and experts about modernizing tennis to appeal to younger audiences. While some see potential in adding entertainment elements, others value the sport’s rich traditions and worry about disrupting its integrity.
Aryna Sabalenka also brought an element of fun to the Australian Open. During her match against Sloane Stephens, Sabalenka extended her winning streak at the tournament with a decisive 6-3, 6-2 victory. Following the match, she charmed the audience with her love for dancing. In a playful interaction during the post-match presentation, she joined Australian actress Rebel Wilson and others in a brief dance, much to the delight of the crowd. Sabalenka laughed at her dance skills, jokingly acknowledging her lack of expertise, but the moment showcased her vibrant personality and connection with fans.
These lively moments from players like Gauff and Sabalenka, coupled with Djokovic’s ideas for change, have fueled discussions on whether tennis should evolve by embracing entertainment or continue preserving its traditional roots.