The ongoing debate around scheduling and player welfare on the ATP Tour has intensified after Stefanos Tsitsipas publicly criticized the governing body’s decision to extend several Masters 1000 events. Labeling the growing workload “inhumane,” the Greek star questioned both the physical demands and the lack of financial adjustment tied to the changes.
In 2025, concerns over burnout and injuries dominated the tennis landscape, with multiple players cutting their seasons short. The issue resurfaced after high-profile injuries and public calls for reform, yet the ATP Tour moved forward by expanding select Masters 1000 tournaments from one-week events to 12-day competitions.
‘Making us work more’ without reward
Speaking on the podcast What’s The Call?, Stefanos Tsitsipas voiced frustration over the extended format and what he perceives as an imbalance between workload and compensation.
“The most frustrating part about this is, okay, you’re making us work more, which is fine. Make us work more, but at least increase prize money.
“I got promised back in the day when I had an interview with the chairman of the ATP. He shared with me the ‘one vision’ thing, and it all seemed alright when he was presenting it and sharing it with me.
“But there hasn’t been a significant change with prize money and compensation for players for getting to play more.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas acknowledged the commercial motivations behind the shift, adding, “I understand the reason they’re doing it is for streaming, selling more tickets, and obviously, there are so many reasons why this is happening.”
Fatigue, injuries and a breaking point
Beyond financial concerns, the former world No. 3 emphasized the toll on players’ bodies. “But it also creates much more fatigue and injury for players, and I don’t think it’s accidental that 2025 was the year with the most retirements on the ATP Tour.
“Fatigue is a big thing. Because you have got to be fresh to perform. It’s actually inhumane to be able to go back-to-back, Indian Wells, Miami.”
While not demanding a complete rollback to seven-day events, Stefanos Tsitsipas called for moderation. “I’m not saying those Masters 1000s should go down to seven days, but at least they’ve got to find a sweet balance where we can still go over the normal amount but go within reason. Because the way they did it, they really extended it way too far ahead.”
With leading players now speaking out, pressure continues to mount on the ATP to reassess the balance between commercial growth and athlete welfare.