In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where every match tests physical and mental limits, Carlos Alcaraz has emerged as a voice of conviction. Fresh off his triumphant victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters, the 21-year-old Spaniard has taken aim at the ATP’s controversial decision to extend most Masters 1000 tournaments from one week to nearly two. With a blend of candor and insight, Alcaraz argues that the traditional one-week format is not only better for players but also elevates the sport itself, sparking a debate that resonates across the tennis community.
The ATP’s shift to a 12-day format for several Masters 1000 events—starting with Madrid, Rome, and Shanghai in 2023, followed by Indian Wells, Miami, and plans for the Canadian Open and Cincinnati in 2025—has reshaped the sport’s landscape. These tournaments now feature expanded 96-player draws, up from the compact 56-player fields of the past, and stretch over nearly two weeks. The intention, according to the ATP, is to offer players more rest days and create a grander spectacle akin to Grand Slams. But Alcaraz, the world No. 2, sees it differently. “I prefer the one-week ones. It’s much better for tennis,” he declared in Barcelona, where he’s competing in the ATP 500 event. “From the start of the tournament or the second round, we see high-level matches.”
Alcaraz’s perspective is rooted in his recent experience at Monte-Carlo, one of only two Masters 1000 events (alongside Paris) that retain the one-week format. There, he battled through intense matches, including a thrilling three-set final against Lorenzo Musetti, to claim his sixth Masters 1000 title. The compressed schedule forced him to be at his best from the outset, delivering electrifying tennis that captivated fans. “The one-week events are better,” he reiterated. “Some might think that during two-week tournaments you get rest days, but that’s not the case. You train, you have to mentally prepare for the match, plan for it.” For Alcaraz, the extended format doesn’t provide true rest; instead, it demands prolonged mental and physical engagement, keeping players away from home longer and disrupting their rhythm.
He’s not alone in his critique. Players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune have echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the toll of the extended schedule. Tsitsipas, a three-time Monte-Carlo champion, pointed out last year that the two-week format leaves players with little time for recovery or training, as constant matches sap their energy. “It’s ironic that the ATP committed to this format without knowing if it could actually improve the schedule,” he noted, highlighting the Paris Masters’ one-week structure as a model of excitement and efficiency. Fans, too, have voiced frustration on social media, nostalgic for the days when Masters 1000 events were intense, week-long showdowns that demanded peak performance from the first ball.
The ATP’s rationale for the change centers on financial and competitive benefits. Larger draws offer more opportunities for lower-ranked players, and extended tournaments generate higher ticket sales and sponsorship revenue. Yet, Alcaraz argues that the quality of tennis suffers. In a one-week event, top seeds face immediate pressure, leading to blockbuster clashes early on. In contrast, the two-week format can dilute intensity, with players pacing themselves over a longer grind. “For us, it means fewer days away from home and less strain,” Alcaraz said, emphasizing the personal toll of extended travel and preparation.
His Monte-Carlo triumph underscores his point. The tournament’s relentless pace produced 29 three-set matches, a record, and showcased Alcaraz’s ability to adapt under pressure. “I think today, it was about who was going to handle the stress and pressure better,” he said after the final, reflecting on his mental resilience. That intensity, he believes, is what makes one-week tournaments special. As he prepares for the clay season, including a title defense at Roland Garros, Alcaraz is focused on maintaining that mindset, tuning out external expectations. “I have to think about myself, my team, my family,” he said, a mantra that guides him through the sport’s grueling demands.
The debate over the Masters 1000 format is far from settled. While the ATP pushes for a modernized, revenue-driven model, players like Alcaraz champion the sport’s traditional roots, where every match feels like a final. As he continues his ascent—now with 18 career titles and a return to No. 2 in the rankings—Alcaraz’s voice carries weight. His call for a return to one-week tournaments isn’t just about personal preference; it’s a plea for a tennis calendar that prioritizes players and fans alike, ensuring the sport remains a thrilling, high-stakes spectacle.