Zverev Says Sanctions Won't Solve Problem of Bloated Masters Events
Zverev said the 12-day schedule is too long and draining, while Montreal opens without Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
- On Sunday, the ATP Montreal Masters kicked off with top-seeded Alexander Zverev questioning the wisdom of the 12-day tournament format, citing concerns about player burnout.
- High-Profile absences including Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz follow player complaints that expanded 12-day events resemble draining Grand Slam fortnights, forcing athletes away for extended periods.
- Zverev dismissed financial penalties, noting elite players like Djokovic—who has earned nearly $200 million—are unlikely to be swayed by a bonus of about 50,000.
- Canadian officials have called for financial and other player sanctions following the wave of late withdrawals ahead of the US Open, which begins August 31.
- Despite fatigue, 29-year-old Roland Garros champion Zverev plans to compete in Cincinnati to build momentum for the US Open, though he considered skipping the Canadian event entirely.
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19 Articles
Because the ATP wanted to do so, the Masters tournaments have mutated into chewing gum events. Tennis players' complaints are increasing and often deny – because the professionals have too little say.
Alexander Zverev beats at the Masters tournament in Montréal, while Sinner and Djokovic pass. As „only entertainer" the German tennis pro criticizes the framework conditions.
Alexander Zverev returns to Montreal and does not save with criticism before the start of the Hartplatz season. The German considers the bloated Masters calendar to be untenable.
Alexander Zverev, the main favourite at the Masters 1000 tournament in Montreal, said that the financial penalties will not solve the problem of large players missing from ATP tournaments at this level, while warning about the risk of exhaustion and withdrawal due to the excessive duration of these tournaments, informs AFP.
The German player confided his feeling about the absences of the Sinner-Alcaraz-Djokovic trio in Montreal.
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