Daniil Medvedev suggests major change to tennis schedule

Medvede has criticised the current set-up of the ATP Tour and urged a radical overhaul

Aadi Nair
Wednesday 13 November 2024 05:56 EST
Comments
Daniil Medvedev wants to see the ATP schedule overhauled
Daniil Medvedev wants to see the ATP schedule overhauled (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

World No 4 Daniil Medvedev said the ATP Tour calendar needs to be refocused around the grand slams and Masters 1000 events with the lower-tier ATP 250 tournaments moved to an optional slot later in the year.

Several players have voiced concerns over the calendar, with four-time grand slam winner Carlos Alcaraz saying the tight schedule makes it difficult to stay motivated throughout the year and increases the risk of injuries.

From next season, seven of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events will be held across 12 days, a decision which was criticised by Stefanos Tsitsipas last week.

“This year I only tried to play big tournaments,” Medvedev told reporters after his win over Alex De Minaur at the ATP Finals on Tuesday.

“I think there should be more bigger, important tournaments, which should be like, ‘Okay, these are the tournaments where we define who is going to be top 10, like Masters 1000.’

“You play good in them, you will be there. The schedule should somehow be around them.”

Reuters has contacted the ATP Tour for comment.

Medvedev suggested staging the top tournaments earlier in the year, adding: “Then you put all the 250s after for people that want to continue playing.

“If you’re good enough, you finish the season in whatever, October, play in Masters. Doesn’t matter. Don’t count the tournaments after. If you still feel like you need more points for Australian Open or more matches, you do it after.”

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in