Alexander Zverev, a prominent voice in the tennis world, has openly expressed his profound dissatisfaction with the extended two-week Masters 1000 tournaments, asserting that he has yet to encounter a single player who finds the prolonged format appealing. His critique highlights a growing discontent among elite athletes regarding the increasingly crowded professional tennis calendar.
This season has seen a significant shift, with seven of the nine mandatory Masters 1000 events now adopting an expanded 12-day schedule, a departure from the previous seven-day format. Tournaments like the Canadian Open, Madrid, and Rome have embraced this redesign, featuring larger 96-player draws, a change that the ATP hoped would provide more opportunities for a wider range of players and increase overall prize money.
However, this extended format appears to come at a considerable cost to the sport’s top stars, who face immense physical demands that make it nearly impossible to participate in all mandatory events without risking injury or burnout. For athletes like Zverev, whose primary focus remains on Grand Slam tournaments, the current structure poses a significant challenge, especially with the US Open rapidly approaching, which serves as a critical goal for the North American hard-court swing.
During an insightful interview with Nothing Majr amidst his participation in Toronto, Zverev articulated his desire for a more streamlined competition schedule. He emphasized that under the current ATP Tour regulations, with nine mandatory Masters 1000 events—most now spanning two weeks—it has become impractical for players to manage their physical conditioning and strategic preparation effectively for major championships.
Zverev nostalgically referenced past Masters events, particularly Monte Carlo and Paris Bercy, as exemplars of what he considers the optimal tournament structure. He lauded their efficient “in and out” nature, where players could complete their matches and depart without extended stays or demanding practice sessions between matches. This sentiment suggests a preference for a format that respects player recovery and personal time, fostering a healthier overall circuit for tennis professionals.
The German’s candid remarks underscore a broader sentiment within the player community, suggesting a collective unease with the direction the ATP Tour is taking with its schedule adjustments. He posited that even fans might not appreciate waiting multiple days for their favorite players to compete again, challenging the notion that the current business model is effectively serving its purpose. This perspective invites further discussion on optimizing the tour for both player welfare and fan engagement.
Beyond the ongoing debate about tournament scheduling, the tennis landscape continues to buzz with various other compelling narratives. Recently, world-renowned athlete Carlos Alcaraz was observed in a rigorous training session, preparing for his return at the Cincinnati Open, where he honed his skills alongside rising Spanish talent Dani Merida, who is on the cusp of his Grand Slam debut at the US Open.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Open provided its share of memorable moments, including Victoria Mboko’s stunning upset victory over top seed Coco Gauff, a career-defining win that propelled the young Canadian into the top 60 rankings. On a lighter note, Marta Kostyuk charmed fans during her practice session, accompanied by her adorable dog, Mander, adding a touch of personal flair to the intense tournament atmosphere.
Further injecting humor into the tour, several ATP stars, including Casper Ruud, Ben Shelton, and Holger Rune, were hilariously caught off guard by a “spider prank” during media day at the Toronto Open. These lighter moments provide a refreshing contrast to the competitive intensity, showcasing the personalities and camaraderie that also define the professional tennis circuit.
