Novak Djokovic has revealed he is in the dark amid rumours of a rebel elite men’s tennis tour but asserted that the sport is “not using its full potential.”

The world No 1 recognised tennis is “one of the most popular sports in the world” but argued there should be more effort to “adjust to the modern times” to appeal to the younger audience.

News emerged earlier this year that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is looking to invest in tennis and there have since been rumours that a breakaway tour could be formed.

The new premium tour would reportedly see the four Grand Slams, nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and ATP Finals combine to form the calendar for elite players. The ATP Tour would then run all other tournaments, including the ATP 500 and ATP 250 events.

Djokovic will begin his 2024 season at the United Cup, where he is set to compete for Serbia in their opening tie against China today.

Speaking in a press conference at the team competition in Perth, Djokovic explained what he thinks tennis can do better when was asked about the rumoured tour revamp.

“I’m generally always supportive of improving the sport. I have said this many times before, that I think that tennis is not using its full potential,” the 36-year-old said.

“We are one of the most globally watched and popular sports in the world, but I think that we have been quite conservative and conventional in certain aspects, and that unfortunately hasn’t really been a great appeal to the younger audience.

“I’m a big supporter of our history and tradition and everything, I think we should always nurture that. But I think we need to try to adjust to the modern times and try to understand what the younger audience wants and really make the tennis more appealing to that group.

“So that’s in terms of general overview. And where I stand [on talk of a rebel tour], I have no idea what elite tour you’re talking about. I have heard rumours as well, but it is, I guess, still early stages and we didn’t see anything concrete out there.”

Jessica Pegula, the women’s world No 5, also spoke about the potential for Saudi involvement in the sport.

“I think it’s inevitable, to be honest. There is a lot of talk. I feel like there has been for the past year or so,” the 29-year-old American said at the United Cup.

“I feel like it’s going to happen eventually, because money talks, and they have infinite amounts of money and they seem to be involved in every single sport in the world except for ours. So I’m sure ours is coming.”