ATP criticised over unpopular Masters 1000 schedule change

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Tennis is a sport riddled with problems that players have to deal with every day.

Even though players, pundits and fans complain all the time, nothing ever really seems to change.

Plans have been made and promises given, but it feels like every new policy brings up even more issues.

Sergi Bruguera, once a top player and now an experienced coach, is the latest to share his frustration with those in charge of the ATP Tour.

ATP criticised once again over extended Masters 1000 schedule

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

While attending the Barcelona Open, Bruguera was initially asked about Carlos Alcaraz’s latest injury, which had forced the young Spaniard to pull out of the tournament.

The former world No. 3, who won back-to-back French Open titles in 1993 and 1994, quickly turned the conversation towards a broader issue. He pointed to the expanded two-week format of Masters 1000 events as a factor that may have contributed to Alcaraz’s physical strain.

He explained: “The ATP has made a mistake with the two-week Masters 1000; mentally, they become very long. If you win because you win, you’re there for a whole month to play two tournaments. What if you lose in the first round twice? You might play only two matches in a month, which is not a very good preparation either.”

Backing up claims from players who have spoken out against this change already, Bruguera doubled down on his stance by saying: “Well, there you have it, if everyone says they prefer one-week tournaments, it’s obvious that the players don’t have a say (laughs). I suppose it’s the ATP and the tournaments that have the final say.”

It’s not just Bruguera voicing these concerns. Players like Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz have also spoken out against how packed schedules are becoming across their sport.

Bruguera weighs in on Alcaraz’s hopes of being the greatest ever

Later in that interview, Bruguera was asked a much bigger question about Alcaraz – whether he believes the 22-year-old can achieve his ambition of becoming the best player in history.

The 55-year-old didn’t hesitate: “I see him capable, of course.

“Look at how he is, look at the numbers and, above all, look at the difference with the other players. Right now, he doesn’t have to compete against three or four who can beat him; he just needs to keep an eye on Sinner, because with everyone else, he has a lot of margin.

“Starting to win at such a young age, having already conquered several Grand Slams, I am convinced he will fight for it. If he says it, it’s because he really believes it. The important thing is to see how he wins, how he enjoys it – that attitude helps him have fun while doing incredible things on the court.”

Alcaraz has already picked up seven Grand Slam titles by age 22. In comparison, Novak Djokovic had one by that point in his career and Roger Federer had three. Rafael Nadal had six before turning 23.

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