Nothing Major 135: 2026 Bold Takes, Djokovic Split & United Cup | EP 135
Jan 5, 2026
The hosts explore Novak Djokovic's surprising split from the PTPA and its implications for the tennis community. They dive into discussions about the United Cup, comparing it to the nostalgic Hopman Cup. Bold predictions for 2026 spark debates, with forecasts on new champions and coaching changes. They also humorously assess what's peaked, from convertibles to Greece's tourism. It's an engaging mix of serious tennis insights and playful banter that keeps listeners entertained.
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PTPA Split Exposes Governance Issues
- Novak Djokovic's split from the PTPA signals internal governance and representation disputes within the player association.
- John Isner and Steve Johnson say the PTPA lost momentum and Novak stepping away is a major blow to its agenda.
Global Fragmentation Hinders Player Unity
- The PTPA struggled to convert initial momentum into concrete wins for players over several years.
- Steve Johnson highlights global fragmentation and misaligned player values as barriers to unified action.
Big Paydays Drive Exhibition Participation
- Exhibition events like Super XO pay large appearance fees and tempt top players the week before majors.
- The hosts expect big payouts for Alcaraz and Sinner, illustrating off-court revenue's influence on scheduling.