Zverev offers simple fix for tennis calendar

German tennis player Alexander Zverev has proposed a straightforward solution to address the frequent absences of top players from major tournaments: shorten the duration of ATP Masters 1000 events. Zverev argues that the current 12-day format, especially when following a Grand Slam, creates an overly demanding schedule for elite athletes.

"It's quite simple. Let's be here for two weeks, not seven," Zverev stated, referring to the combined duration of the Canadian and Cincinnati Masters events. He believes this extended period, often spanning seven weeks in North America when combined with other tournaments, leads to burnout and forces players to make difficult choices about participation. This, he contends, is why many top players have opted out of the Canadian Masters in recent years.

Zverev's comments come as the North American hardcourt swing approaches its climax. While the final of the Montreal Masters is set to feature Americans Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima, the Cincinnati Masters is notably missing top-ranked Jannik Sinner, who withdrew due to injury, and Carlos Alcaraz, who has been sidelined since April. Novak Djokovic and Felix Auger-Aliassime are also absent from the Cincinnati draw.

Zverev expressed his desire to compete against the best players, regardless of the draw. However, he acknowledged the reality of the situation, noting that Sinner's absence significantly alters the landscape, given the Italian's dominance in Masters 1000 events this season. The extended format for Masters events, first introduced in Rome, Madrid, and Shanghai in previous years, has drawn criticism from other players as well, including Djokovic, who has previously stated he does not enjoy these longer competitions.

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It's quite simple. Let's be here for two weeks, not seven.