Copyright sportskeeda

Fans online criticized Novak Djokovic for delaying his decision on participating in the ATP Finals, thus keeping Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti in suspense. Ben Shelton sided with the top players, who have requested an increase in the revenue-sharing percentage at the Grand Slams.Rafael Nadal weighed in on the difference between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz shared their opinions on Djokovic not revealing his decision about ATP Finals participation sooner. Meanwhile, the Serb reprimanded a journalist for twisting his comments on Alcaraz and Sinner's dominance.Let's explore the stories of the day:#1. Fans slam Novak Djokovic for indecisiveness about ATP Finals participation2025 Hellenic Championship - Source: GettyAfter winning his semifinal clash at the Hellenic Championship on Friday, November 7, Novak Djokovic said he would decide on his ATP Finals participation after completing the ATP 250 tournament. By then, the organizers had already released the draw, with the Serb being named in the Jimmy Connors group.Seven players were confirmed, while Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti were fighting for the final spot. Both would have entered the tournament had Djokovic withdrawn.“Yes, I saw the draw and groups, but it doesn’t change anything. I will make the decision after Athens,” Djokovic said at a press conference.Fans online were furious with the former World No. 1. Here are a few of their reactions:"Arrogant and selfish like always," one user reacted."This is why even if it's the best tennis players... I'm not able to root for him ! Only his own self is important ! Putting the other guys on edge, he doesn't care," another added."teasing FAA and Lorenzo like this is pure evil,"another user wrote.Djokovic won the Hellenic Championship on Saturday and withdrew from the year-end championship soon after. Thus, both Auger-Aliassime and Musetti have been included.#2. Ben Shelton joins top players in fight against MajorsEarlier this season, top ATP and WTA players, including Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jessica Pegula, came together and wrote to all four Grand Slam tournaments. They requested more investment, a better revenue-sharing percentage, and player welfare, which would particularly help the lower-ranked players.However, despite months of going back and forth, there has been no progress. On Saturday, Ben Shelton attended a press conference ahead of the ATP Finals, where he said (5:24 onwards):"I think dispute is a strong word for sure. But for us, I know that as players, we see things that are important to us at times. And I know that as players, we're not greedy people. We're not looking ever for more than we feel we deserve or that we feel is fair.""I think that also this group of players that we have right now is always going to speak up when they see things that are out of line or a little bit off from where they should be," he added.The players claimed that the Majors generate more revenue than other tournaments, but the percentage allocated to prize money is lower.#3. Rafael Nadal speaks on the difference between Roger Federer and Novak DjokovicRafael Nadal retired from professional tennis last year but has kept himself busy. On Friday, he attended the America Business Forum in Miami alongside Lionel Messi and Will Smith, among others.The Spaniard was asked what separates Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. He said (via Tennis365):“I think that Roger is a person, and I would say a tennis player, a bit more from a magical point of view. From a point of view of pure talent and inspiration. And Novak, obviously, with enormous talent, but with a work ethic and a winning mentality that is difficult to compare. They’re different personalities, different ways of approaching careers, but on different paths taken to the limit and to excellence.”Nadal and Federer retired with 22 and 20 Majors, respectively. On the other hand, Djokovic is still hunting his 25th Grand Slam title.#4. Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz react to Novak Djokovic delaying ATP Finals participation decisionOn Saturday, Novak Djokovic won the ATP 250 tournament in Athens before announcing his withdrawal from the ATP Finals. Earlier in the day, Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz attended a pre-tournament press conference in Turin. When asked about the Serb making everyone wait for his decision, the two players said it was wrong, but Djokovic has earned the right."Obviously when you're on the fence, everyone's not sure if you're going to play. Yes, there's inconveniences, but he's earned that right, in my opinion, for he's qualified. It's his decision if he wants to play or not play. And if he wants to wait on it and see how he feels, it does cause some inconveniences, but he's earned it," Fritz said. (8:33 onwards)Alcaraz agreed with the American and said:"Obviously, it is bad situations for everyone, but, as Taylor said, he has the right to do it. He has played this tournament many years. He has won this tournament many years. Obviously, for the promoter, for everything is not the the right situations, but, it is his decision and we had to go with it and and accept it."#5. Novak Djokovic calls out journalist for distorting his opinion on Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner's dominanceLaver Cup 2022 - Previews - Source: GettyNovak Djokovic has often lauded Alcaraz and Sinner for ruling the men's roster, especially over the last two years, where the youngsters have split the eight Majors among themselves.At a recent press conference, a journalist misquoted Djokovic, suggesting that, as per the Serb, Alcaraz and Sinner have taken tennis to another level. The 24-time Major winner immediately interrupted and said:“I didn’t say that. I said that those two play level above others currently. Have to show some respect to us. Has to be some respect for Roger, Rafa, Andy and me. That’s the level of tennis we want. Those two are level above others.”Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray were famously called the Big 4, as they dominated the tour for nearly two decades.