Daniil Medvedev recently made a bold proposal for changing the ATP calendar, calling for a schedule centered around Grand Slams and Masters tournaments, with ATP 250 events reduced in priority and possibly scheduled for later in the year. Medvedev’s ideas came to light during the ATP Finals in Turin, where the Russian, still fresh from a tough start against Taylor Fritz, shared his thoughts on what he believes could improve the structure of the tour. The former world No. 1 has openly voiced his frustration with various aspects of the sport, particularly regarding the current schedule and the quality of the balls used across the tournaments.
Medvedev’s frustrations were initially evident following his opening ATP Finals match, where he suffered a two-set loss to Fritz. He expressed his dissatisfaction, suggesting that playing tennis had become less enjoyable due to these recurring issues. On Tuesday, however, Medvedev found better form, overcoming Australia’s Alex de Minaur with a straight-set victory, 6-2, 6-4. Even after this success, he continued to emphasize his disappointment with the tournament balls and brought up what he sees as a serious problem with the ATP schedule.
Medvedev has prioritized Grand Slam and Masters tournaments throughout his 2024 season, rarely participating in ATP 250 events. He hinted that the constant pressure of the competitive calendar, along with playing conditions he finds less than ideal, has affected his motivation and performance. He explained his approach to the season: “This year, I only tried to play big tournaments. I think I only played three ATP 500 events. One as preparation for Wimbledon, one in Dubai right after the Australian Open, and Beijing during the Shanghai swing. They’re good tournaments to play, and focusing on the bigger events allows you to perform well in the Masters and Slams.”
For Medvedev, this targeted approach represents a solution to what he believes should be a more focused calendar. He argues that the ATP schedule should revolve around major tournaments like the Masters 1000 series, which would effectively determine the rankings for the top 10 players. “The schedule should somehow be built around the most important tournaments. There shouldn’t be a 250 right after a big tournament like Paris-Bercy, forcing players like Casper, Andrey, and Alex to either play or withdraw due to exhaustion. If these smaller tournaments were scheduled differently, it would allow players to give their best at the big events,” he said.
Medvedev also suggested a possible reshuffling of the calendar, advocating for a condensed season that would prioritize the larger tournaments. This idea would allow players to conclude their competitive seasons by October, with the ATP Finals wrapping up by then. For those who still want to play, Medvedev suggested leaving the ATP 250 events for the latter part of the year. “I remember Rafa [Nadal] said this once,” Medvedev remarked. “The season should end earlier, and then you can have the 250 tournaments for players who want to keep playing. If you’re good enough, you finish the season in October after the Masters events, and it doesn’t matter what comes after. The points don’t count towards the rankings anymore.”
Medvedev believes this revised schedule could even help players who want to fine-tune their skills or gather points for the Australian Open. “If someone needs more matches or points for the Australian Open, they can play the smaller events after October. It would help maintain energy and focus during the most critical parts of the season,” he said. This idea came from his own experience this year, where he sometimes found it hard to stay fully motivated during lengthy tournaments. “Sometimes, I go out there frustrated, and it’s not good when you’re playing at a big event like the Masters in Turin. I was fortunate to win today, but if I had lost, I might have felt the same—no reaction. I’d go home, and it wouldn’t bother me as much as it should. That’s not how it should feel at these high-stakes tournaments.”
Medvedev’s thoughts on the scheduling resonate with other players who have questioned the ATP’s current calendar. Several top athletes face exhaustion and injuries due to the continuous cycle of tournaments, and the long season can lead to burnout. Medvedev feels strongly that consolidating the major tournaments and providing optional slots for smaller events would benefit player well-being and performance across the sport.
Looking ahead, Medvedev’s immediate focus is on securing a spot in the semifinals of the ATP Finals. To do so, he must overcome world No. 1, Jannik Sinner. Although Medvedev holds a strong record against Sinner with seven wins in eight matches, he acknowledges that his recent performances against the Italian have not been as successful. This season alone, Sinner has defeated Medvedev in three consecutive meetings, with Medvedev only claiming victory once in six encounters this year.
When asked if he planned to adjust his tactics against Sinner, Medvedev was candid about the challenge. “There’s not much to change tactically. I feel like, despite the losses, I know what I need to do. The problem is that Sinner is just playing really well. You can be perfect tactically and in terms of execution, and still lose when your opponent is playing at that level,” Medvedev admitted. “It’s a hard reality to accept, but that’s the nature of facing someone in top form.”
Medvedev’s remarks about Sinner reflect the reality of high-level competition where skill and preparation alone may not always guarantee victory. Despite his setbacks, Medvedev remains focused and determined to keep pushing forward in the tournament.
The Russian’s insights into both the ATP schedule and his rivalry with Sinner highlight his pragmatic and thoughtful approach to the game. His desire to see the ATP adopt a more player-focused calendar speaks to the growing debate around the season’s demands and their impact on athletes. While no changes to the ATP calendar are imminent, Medvedev’s proposal, backed by his experience, could spark future discussions around optimizing the tour for both player performance and fan engagement. Whether his ideas will gain traction remains to be seen, but Medvedev’s voice adds a significant perspective to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing the future of professional tennis.