Several players have complained about the ATP calendar during this season. 2024 was characterized by a number of injuries, which forced players to miss major tournaments to preserve their bodies. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner retired during the Mutua Madrid Open with a hip injury, which forced him to miss the Rome Masters 1000.
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Carlos Alcaraz on the other hand had a forearm problem during the spring and was unable to play the Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo and Rome. Some argue that the season is too long and the players do not have enough time to rest and strengthen their bodies.
In addition, the new ten-days Masters 1000 have further increased the duration of the tournaments and top players have complained on more than one occasion. During the Laver Cup in Berlin in September, Carlitos Alcaraz and Sascha Zverev reflected on this topic and asked the ATP to intervene as soon as possible. World No. 1 Sinner has taken a more moderate approach to this issue, arguing that players are not required to play every tournament and that they can modulate their schedule according to their specific needs.
RafaNadal's words in 2011
However, the current top players were not the first to complain about the ATP calendar. Spanish legend Rafael Nadal - who has had many injuries during his legendary career - had expressed his sincere opinion on this subject as early as 2011.
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In a recent interview, former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev recalled Nadals past suggestion: The schedule should somehow be around them. Like there should not be a 250 after Paris Bercy where Casper, Andrey and Alex have to go there, then they withdraw or something.
I remember Rafa once said it. The season should finish earlier, then you put all the 250s after for people that want to continue playing. If youre good enough, you finish the season in whatever, October, play in Masters. Doesnt matter. Doesnt count the tournaments after.
The Russian ace continued: If you still feel like you need more points for Australian Open or more matches, you do it after. I think thats something to consider because Carlos Alcaraz said it. First match I had a meltdown because every match I go, I usually go with a willingness to fight till the end to win. When it doesnt work your way, I get frustrated sometimes.
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This match basically went I dont care. Its good for me, I won. But I would lose the same score, you would not see one emotion on my face. I would be here talking happy, whatever. I go home Thursday. Im okay.
Thats not good when you play the Masters in Turin for huge money, huge points. I dont care. 200 points, whatever. Good for me. Should be different.
ATP has other plans
ATP is not reflecting on this problem with the right seriousness, at least according to some players and insiders. ATP has decided to extend the duration of the Masters 1000 to increase its earnings and is expected to add a new Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia in a few years.
During the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Andrea Gaudenzi revealed that a new Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia could be inaugurated in 2028 but there are no certainties about it.
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On his official X account, top coach Patrick Mouratoglou explained the reason behind the new Masters 1000: The two-week Masters 1000s have turned into a drag. The quality has definitely dropped. Players arent getting the recovery or training time they need, with constant matches and no space for the intense work off the court.
Its ironic that the ATP Tour committed to this format without knowing if it could actually improve the schedule, but the quality likewise. Paris got it right, done in a week. Exciting and easy to follow. Just how its supposed to be. If the goal was to ease the calendar, extending every 1000 to two weeks is a backwards move. Sometimes, it feels like theyre fixing what wasnt broken.
The longer Masters tournament work because they make much more money, so its good for them. I think if I understand what the ATP wants to do, they want to have fewer events, but bigger events that draw more attention. I think it makes sense, to be honest.
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According to many fans, the quality of the Masters 1000 has deteriorated since this new format was introduced. Top players have been forced to miss some Masters 1000 during the season and the degree of interest has dropped compared to previous years. Despite the criticism, ATP does not seem willing to take a step back.
