Daniil Medvedev, a former World No. 1 and the 2021 US Open champion, has once again reignited the debate surrounding the exhausting nature of the professional tennis calendar. Medvedev, who is currently competing at the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals, brought up the concerns previously voiced by the legendary Rafael Nadal, as well as current issues expressed by other top players, including the young Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz. The Russian’s comments came after his 6-2, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur at the prestigious year-end tournament in Turin, and he expressed his frustration about the ongoing grind that professional tennis players are subjected to throughout the year.
The conversation about the demanding tennis schedule has been an ongoing topic for several years, with many prominent players discussing the physical and mental toll it takes on them. Recently, concerns have only grown as more tournaments are extended, adding to an already grueling calendar. In particular, the announcement that ATP Masters 1000 events in both Cincinnati and Canada will be extended to two weeks starting in 2025 has sparked fresh debate. This means that, from next year, seven out of the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments will take place over two weeks, leaving players with less time to rest, recover, and train for the next competition.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, a former World No. 3, voiced his discontent with this decision, criticizing the lack of adequate time for recovery or training in the current schedule. The Greek player expressed concern that the extended events would further disrupt players’ ability to perform at their highest level, and he wasn’t the only one unhappy with the situation. The intense demands of the sport have been taking a toll on players across the board, and now Medvedev is adding his voice to the conversation.
Following his victory over Alex de Minaur, Medvedev brought up Rafael Nadal’s thoughts on the tennis calendar. Nadal, who has been one of the most vocal critics of the grueling schedule in the past, notably addressed the issue ahead of the 2011 US Open. At the time, the Spanish icon said, “The schedule is crazy. It’s crazy now, it was crazy before, and it will still be crazy next year. You can’t make your body go to the limit for the whole year. It’s just not possible.” Those words remain as relevant today as they were over a decade ago, as players continue to face a relentless and often unforgiving calendar.
Medvedev recalled Nadal’s comments in a recent press conference, where he highlighted how the tennis season could be restructured to better accommodate players’ well-being. “Yeah, I remember Rafa once said it,” Medvedev said. “The season should finish earlier, then you put all the 250s after for people that want to continue playing. If you’re good enough, you finish the season in whatever, October, play in Masters. Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t count the tournaments after.” Medvedev’s suggestion echoes Nadal’s long-held stance that the season should be shortened to allow players more time for rest and recovery.
Medvedev also referenced the recent comments made by Alcaraz, who voiced his own struggles with the relentless nature of the tennis calendar. Alcaraz, coming off a shock defeat to Casper Ruud at the 2024 ATP Finals, admitted that he was mentally exhausted from the long season. His admission was a sign of just how taxing the schedule has become, even for one of the youngest and most physically gifted players on the tour. Medvedev noted that if players need additional points or matches before a major tournament like the Australian Open, they could play after the official season ends. “If you still feel like you need more points for Australian Open or more matches, you do it after,” Medvedev added. “I think that’s something to consider because Carlos said it yesterday.”
Beyond the demands of the schedule, Medvedev has also been vocal about other issues that have affected his performances this year. The 28-year-old has had a relatively underwhelming 2024 season, struggling with a lack of consistency and failing to claim any titles so far. Medvedev has also expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality of tennis balls used in tournaments, which he believes have made it easier for every player to excel in long rallies. For years, Medvedev has been known for his ability to outlast opponents in extended exchanges, but the balls being used in certain tournaments, including the Nitto ATP Finals, have made it more challenging for him to maintain his edge in this area.
“I feel like I’m in a big disadvantage, but I need to do something with it,” Medvedev said after a frustrating loss to Taylor Fritz at the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals. “The balls make that everyone can do it now. So not at all surprised. As I say, I feel like I’m in a big disadvantage, but I need to do something with it. For the moment, I couldn’t find the exact way, like I can find the way through some matches like Shanghai, Beijing, even US Open. I can fight my way. I can try to find solutions during the match.” This loss to Fritz was particularly frustrating for Medvedev, as it came in straight sets, with the Russian showing visible signs of frustration throughout the match. Afterward, he again expressed his displeasure with the quality of the balls, which he believes have had an adverse effect on his game.
Despite the frustrations Medvedev has faced in 2024, his win over Alex de Minaur has kept him in contention for a spot in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals. The win showed that Medvedev still has the ability to perform at a high level, but questions remain about his form and consistency. His struggles with the balls, his injury issues, and the mental toll of the tennis calendar continue to affect his game, but he remains a dangerous competitor when he’s firing on all cylinders.
In his final round-robin match at the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals, Medvedev will face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, a young and dynamic player who has been one of the standout performers of the year. The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the sport’s most talented players, and it could be a pivotal moment for Medvedev as he looks to close out the season on a positive note.
As the debate about the tennis calendar continues to rage, Medvedev’s comments, along with those from Nadal and Alcaraz, serve as a reminder that the physical and mental demands of the sport are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The ATP must continue to listen to its players and consider changes that could help to ease the strain on its top stars. In the meantime, Medvedev will look to navigate the remainder of the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals and build a platform for a strong 2025 season.