Djokovic criticizes the ATP 1000 format, Sinner skips Halle Open to rest.
Novak Djokovic has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the lengthy schedule of ATP 1000 tournaments, while Jannik Sinner has decided to withdraw from the 2026 Halle Open to focus on his Grand Slam goals.
The tennis world is witnessing mixed reactions to the changes in the ATP 1000 tournament schedule. While Novak Djokovic has voiced concerns about the inconvenience of the new format, Jannik Sinner has opted for a safer approach to conserve energy ahead of major tournaments.
Djokovic opposes extending the length of ATP 1000 tournaments.
World number one Novak Djokovic has frankly expressed his personal opinion on extending the duration of ATP 1000 tournaments. Under the new regulations, these tournaments typically last more than a week, instead of the shorter format they had before.
"Personally, I don't like the new format. I prefer the old format where ATP 1000 tournaments took place over one week and Grand Slams over two weeks," Djokovic shared. He emphasized that the new schedule wastes time and makes it difficult for viewers to follow their favorite players unless the tournament reaches the semi-finals or finals.
Jannik Sinner withdraws from Halle Open 2026
In contrast to participating in all tournaments, Jannik Sinner has decided to skip the 2026 Halle Open. This is seen as a strategic move by the Italian player to optimize his rest time between Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Sinner currently has a great opportunity to conquer Roland Garros, especially with his direct rival Carlos Alcaraz absent due to injury. Resting his energy for Wimbledon – where he is the defending champion – is also a top priority for this young star.
Tennis Vietnam announces two new brand ambassadors.
On the evening of May 8th in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Tennis Federation (VTF) held its 2026 Annual Executive Board Meeting. One of the most important highlights was the announcement that Miss H'Hen Niê and Miss Lương Thùy Linh have been appointed as Ambassadors for Vietnamese tennis for the 2026-2027 period.
The two beauty queens will accompany VTF in campaigns to promote and develop school sports movements and spread a healthy lifestyle to young people. Also within the framework of the conference, VTF honored outstanding individuals and teams of the 2025-2026 season and appointed two new Vice Presidents, Mr. Vu Quang Huy and Mr. Mai Hoai Anh.
Brief news: Dana White expresses regret at UFC, Hamilton refuses to race simulator.
In the mixed martial arts arena, UFC President Dana White admitted his regret at not being able to control the situation during the clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland ahead of UFC 328. Chimaev unexpectedly threw a kick, causing the situation to spiral out of control for the organizers.
Meanwhile, at Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton stated that he will not be using simulators from now until after the Canadian Grand Prix. The British driver revealed that he feels in better shape when not relying on simulator technology, as he experienced in China.