2 week long masters

[nolefam_2024]

I was searching for the next Zverev match and was surprised seeing his first appearance on Friday. Is this an overkill? Would you want more compact schedule or prolonged ones where you can see all players matches.

IW, Miami, Madrid and Rome have 96 men draws.

 

[_phantom]

I was searching for the next Zverev match and was surprised seeing his first appearance on Friday. Is this an overkill? Would you want more compact schedule or prolonged ones where you can see all players matches.

IW, Miami, Madrid and Rome have 96 men draws.

Shanghai too will have a draw of 96 this year.

Personally, I don't like this extended schedule for a Bo3 tournament. Too many days without much action to follow.

 

[BeatlesFan]

I hate it. I believe the ATP did this to assist Djoker and Nadal, who definitely benefit at their ages from a day's rest between some matches.

Indian Wells can get away with it since it's "the fifth slam," but Madrid? What a joke that it went to 2 weeks.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Shanghai too will have a draw of 96 this year.

Personally, I don't like this extended schedule for a Bo3 tournament. Too many days without much action to follow.

I wasn't aware of this at all. So atp and wta are moving away from 250s and making everyone play masters. That is really disappointing apart from scheduling things.

 

[nolefam_2024]

I hate it. I believe the ATP did this to assist Djoker and Nadal, who definitely benefit at their ages from a day's rest between some matches.

Indian Wells can get away with it since it's "the fifth slam," but Madrid? What a joke that it went to 2 weeks.

Honestly these two aren't even active as much on the tour.

 

[insideguy]

I think its better for the tour all around. Gives lower ranked players chances to make good money.

 

[Chalkdust]

I like the 96 player draws. So much more action in the early rounds on outside courts makes for a better spectator experience.
But I think they should be worth more points, maybe 1200 for the winner, since you basically have to win one extra match vs the 56 player draws.

 

[DSH]

I like the 96 player draws. So much more action in the early rounds on outside courts makes for a better spectator experience.
But I think they should be worth more points, maybe 1200 for the winner, since you basically have to win one extra match vs the 56 player draws.

A Masters 1250.

 

[Jonesy]

I like the good tennis.

 

[Tennfan123]

Get it done in 7 days and then get out.
Yes, it means some players have a disadvantage if their matches go long with no rest days.
But no one is entitled to win tournaments. A lot of luck comes into it. Players win because of their draws, how quick they can win the early matches, upsets around them.
We all know why they want to extend the events. The old guys need the rest day and they want to brand the young ones and have them go deep.
It's a real snooze.

 

[Purestriker]

I was searching for the next Zverev match and was surprised seeing his first appearance on Friday. Is this an overkill? Would you want more compact schedule or prolonged ones where you can see all players matches.

IW, Miami, Madrid and Rome have 96 men draws.

Searching or Zverev eh.

 

[Moose Malloy]

This change wiped 2 weeks off the calendar, so players have to adjust their schedule a bit. Some of the 250 events had to change weeks this year and players who played some of them last year chose not to enter this year. Guessing the TDs of those events weren't pleased.

Also, during IW there is a challenger played in the 2nd week in Phoenix that allows high ranked players who lose early at IW to enter(its like the best challenger of the year), so they don't have to just wait till Miami to get more match play. With these new 2 week events, players who lose early in Madrid have no options except to just practice until Rome starts, which can be a very long time if you are a top 32 player who gets a bye in Rome. Guessing many players aren't really crazy this new schedule. Fritz criticized the change, I believe.

 

[nolefam_2024]

This change wiped 2 weeks off the calendar, so players have to adjust their schedule a bit. Some of the 250 events had to change weeks this year and players who played some of them last year chose not to enter this year. Guessing the TDs of those events weren't pleased.

Also, during IW there is a challenger played in the 2nd week in Phoenix that allows high ranked players who lose early at IW to enter(its like the best challenger of the year), so they don't have to just wait till Miami to get more match play. With these new 2 week events, players who lose early in Madrid have no options except to just practice until Rome starts, which can be a very long time if you are a top 32 player who gets a bye in Rome. Guessing many players aren't really crazy this new schedule. Fritz criticized the change, I believe.

But points wise then getting main draw here may be more valuable by points than challengers draw.

 

[fishpiefriday]

I hate it. I believe the ATP did this to assist Djoker and Nadal, who definitely benefit at their ages from a day's rest between some matches.

Indian Wells can get away with it since it's "the fifth slam," but Madrid? What a joke that it went to 2 weeks.

Can't stand this "fifth slam" nonsense tbh. There are four slams.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

I was searching for the next Zverev match and was surprised seeing his first appearance on Friday. Is this an overkill? Would you want more compact schedule or prolonged ones where you can see all players matches.

IW, Miami, Madrid and Rome have 96 men draws.

No its not an overkill, sir.
Finals should be BO5 as well, because Old school tennis is always better.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

I hate it. I believe the ATP did this to assist Djoker and Nadal, who definitely benefit at their ages from a day's rest between some matches.

Indian Wells can get away with it since it's "the fifth slam," but Madrid? What a joke that it went to 2 weeks.

I somewhat agree that Madrid should not be 2 weeks. But I do think the following master's events need to be 2 weeks - Indian wells, Miami, Rome, Halle/Queens (make any one a master's), Canadian Open, Shanghai Master's. Additionally, all masters should have atleast 2 main courts with roof protection and a BO5 final at the end.

 

[nolefam_2024]

I somewhat agree that Madrid should not be 2 weeks. But I do think the following master's events need to be 2 weeks - Indian wells, Miami, Rome, Halle/Queens (make any one a master's), Canadian Open, Shanghai Master's. Additionally, all masters should have atleast 2 main courts with roof protection and a BO5 final at the end.

I agree with all these suggestions. And ATP's 2 faced policy is exposed to the world. They can change the calendar as much as they want based on this change.

 

[Robert F]

I wonder if there could be some type of compromise. Like Week 1 is a feeder for week 2. Have three 250 events feed to week 2, one 250 could be on site and the other two in other big markets nearby.

 

[_phantom]

I wonder if there could be some type of compromise. Like Week 1 is a feeder for week 2. Have three 250 events feed to week 2, one 250 could be on site and the other two in other big markets nearby.

Broadcasters' nightmare

 

[Benf15harp3000]

It’s gross. 40 garbage players added to lengthen the tournament while simultaneously weakening it.
Masters will mean much less now.

 

[Chalkdust]

It’s gross. 40 garbage players added to lengthen the tournament while simultaneously weakening it.
Masters will mean much less now.

You do realize that expanding the field just adds another match at the start, right?
It does not replace any of the matches you would have gotten with a 56 player field.
Basically it means you need to win a match before you even get to the round of 64 whereas previously the tournament would have just started at the round of 64.
How does this make it weaker?

Also, do you realize that the 'garbage' players you are referring to (outside the top 56) include Murray, Wawrinka and Thiem.
If you don't think it adds value having them in the tournament then you are not an actual fan of tennis.

 

[Benf15harp3000]

You do realize that expanding the field just adds another match at the start, right?
It does not replace any of the matches you would have gotten with a 56 player field.
Basically it means you need to win a match before you even get to the round of 64 whereas previously the tournament would have just started at the round of 64.
How does this make it weaker?

Also, do you realize that the 'garbage' players you are referring to (outside the top 56) include Murray, Wawrinka and Thiem.
If you don't think it adds value having them in the tournament then you are not an actual fan of tennis.

all horrible pointless first rd matches just to extend the tournament for revenue and those three should have to play qualifier

 

[Hood_Man]

I'm not really clued up on what's happening these days but if 128 player draws in masters starts to cause issues with the 500s and 250s then I'd be against it.

The smaller tournaments are beneficial for lower ranked players who may have a chance at a seeding that they otherwise wouldn't get at masters 1000 level, and the chance of getting further and earning more money and gaining more ranking points.

A good run at a 500 may very well push a players ranking up enough to qualify for a master's entry.

If now they find themselves in a position where they have to choose between them because of overlap then they're potentially missing out.

I get that money is obviously enormously important in sports but that's no good if it damages the sports' future.

 

[mike danny]

I somewhat agree that Madrid should not be 2 weeks. But I do think the following master's events need to be 2 weeks - Indian wells, Miami, Rome, Halle/Queens (make any one a master's), Canadian Open, Shanghai Master's. Additionally, all masters should have atleast 2 main courts with roof protection and a BO5 final at the end.

Not sure I agree with all masters. Even in the past not all masters had BO5 finals like Canada and Cincy. With these 2 back to back, it would be overkill to have BO5 finals.

 

[NAS]

Not sure I agree with all masters. Even in the past not all masters had BO5 finals like Canada and Cincy. With these 2 back to back, it would be overkill to have BO5 finals.

Depends on the master also, if there is two week master then it should be Bo5, people get enough rest between them.
In one week master I can understand for BO3 final.
Hell I have always said that YEC final should be schedule on Monday with BO5 final( or start Yec on Saturday in previous week if you want to have final on Sunday with Bo5)

 

[Vanilla Slice]

Every Masters does not need to be 2 weeks, but overall it’s definitely a net positive

In no way does it diminish quality, and it gives 40 extra players rankings points, prize money, and a shot at a run in a large tournament. The only way this sport will survive is if the amount of players benefitting from tour revenue continues to increase.

 

[mike danny]

Depends on the master also, if there is two week master then it should be Bo5, people get enough rest between them.
In one week master I can understand for BO3 final.
Hell I have always said that YEC final should be schedule on Monday with BO5 final( or start Yec on Saturday in previous week if you want to have final on Sunday with Bo5)

But it would be literally impossible to make Canada and Cincy 2 weeks event without completely ruining the schedule.

 

[NAS]

But it would be literally impossible to make Canada and Cincy 2 weeks event without completely ruining the schedule.

In that case BO3 is ok but if they made it two week then make it special.
One of the main reason I never understood importance of Women slam, what is there special, how slam is more difficult?
Winning master with good draw in a Women tennis is better than winning slam with day rest in slam

 

[Chalkdust]

all horrible pointless first rd matches just to extend the tournament for revenue and those three should have to play qualifier

Gotcha. You've convinced me - in fact I think we can actually do away with everything up to the quarters. Let all the riff raff go through qualifiers, then take the top 6 players plus 2 top qualifiers into the real tournament. Everything before that is rubbish tennis anyway and not worth watching.

 

[T007]

It is useless until they start playing best of 5 starting from QFs.

 

[Hood_Man]

You can probably blame Fedal for the loss of bo5 finals at masters (though I'm sure it had probably been debated and considered already).

After their 5 hour 5 set marathon match in the 2006 Rome final, both Federer and Nadal pulled out of the Hamburg masters tournament citing fatigue, which while totally understandable would also have no doubt upset the organisers and fans who were banking on them taking part.

 

[nolefam_2024]

You can probably blame Fedal for the loss of bo5 finals at masters (though I'm sure it had probably been debated and considered already).

After their 5 hour 5 set marathon match in the 2006 Rome final, both Federer and Nadal pulled out of the Hamburg masters tournament citing fatigue, which while totally understandable would also have no doubt upset the organisers and fans who were banking on them taking part.

Yeah but now it's 2 week long tournament so no issues right ?

 

[fafa]

They're horrible. They should be 9 days long max. starting on the first Saturday.

 

[Open Stance]

One week is too short. Two weeks is too long. 10 days is about right. When having back-to-back M1000s (think Canada -> Cincinnati) start the first tournament on Monday with a Wednesday night final. Start the second tournament on Friday with the final the following Sunday. Probably enough time for a 96 player field if you do that.

 

[Hitman]

One week is too short. Two weeks is too long. 10 days is about right. When having back-to-back M1000s (think Canada -> Cincinnati) start the first tournament on Monday with a Wednesday night final. Start the second tournament on Friday with the final the following Sunday. Probably enough time for a 96 player field if you do that.

And lose massive viewership for the bigger showdowns, like semis and finals by having them in the middle of the week, rather than on the weekend when more people are likely to watch?

 

[octobrina10]

This change wiped 2 weeks off the calendar, so players have to adjust their schedule a bit. Some of the 250 events had to change weeks this year and players who played some of them last year chose not to enter this year. Guessing the TDs of those events weren't pleased.

Also, during IW there is a challenger played in the 2nd week in Phoenix that allows high ranked players who lose early at IW to enter(its like the best challenger of the year), so they don't have to just wait till Miami to get more match play. With these new 2 week events, players who lose early in Madrid have no options except to just practice until Rome starts, which can be a very long time if you are a top 32 player who gets a bye in Rome. Guessing many players aren't really crazy this new schedule. Fritz criticized the change, I believe.

There are 3 Challengers in Europe between May 1 and 7.

1) Advantage Cars Prague Open by Moneta
Prague, Czech Republic
2023.05.01 - 2023.05.07

2) Open Aix Provence Crédit Agricole
Aix-en-Provence, France
2023.05.02 - 2023.05.07

3) Sardegna Open
Cagliari, Italy
2023.05.02 - 2023.05.07

 

[Julius Caesar]

Madrid is great with 2 weeks. The event is great and full of action. Right now we are R1 mates, do you expect the kind of late stages action on the first days? Come on.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Madrid is great with 2 weeks. The event is great and full of action. Right now we are R1 mates, do you expect the kind of late stages action on the first days? Come on.

That's how masters were till last year.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Not sure I agree with all masters. Even in the past not all masters had BO5 finals like Canada and Cincy. With these 2 back to back, it would be overkill to have BO5 finals.

2 week masters should have BO5 finals

 

[nolefam_2024]

I am liking this 2 week long masters as Sascha fan. He can technically play 6 3 set matches in a row to take the titles.

 

[BeatlesFan]

In 2025 Shanghai goes to 2 weeks. That's overkill, that tournament doesn't need to be stretched to 2 weeks.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

In 2025 Shanghai goes to 2 weeks. That's overkill, that tournament doesn't need to be stretched to 2 weeks.

££££ matters

 

[tex123]

It is a long schedule I agree but it is the next best thing to a slam.

 

[nolefam_2024]

It is a long schedule I agree but it is the next best thing to a slam.

Is it ? Slams are bo5. That makes a huge difference in experience. For me it's very little action in bo3 masters.

This is honestly making a long movie and releasing in 10 parts, 1 part a week treatment. Just give me the damn movie.

 

[Mainad]

In 2025 Shanghai goes to 2 weeks. That's overkill, that tournament doesn't need to be stretched to 2 weeks.

Given how long it's been since it was last played the event should have been moved to another country. But Chinese big bucks wins out yet again I guess!

 

[Blahovic]

I understand that it makes financial sense but I don't like it as a spectator.

They should make the final best of 5 sets to take advantage of this.

 

[nolefam_2024]

I understand that it makes financial sense but I don't like it as a spectator.

They should make the final best of 5 sets to take advantage of this.

Definitely. And I would not mind more doubles.

 

[Snafu23]

I'd love to know more about what the players think- if they're less tired by the semi it's a good thing for tennis to see higher quality matches- and tennis skills overcome fitness. But if they don't really feel that tired wihout a day's rest, as a fan i prefer the denser tournaments with twice as many matches per day.

 

[insideguy]

I'd love to know more about what the players think- if they're less tired by the semi it's a good thing for tennis to see higher quality matches- and tennis skills overcome fitness. But if they don't really feel that tired wihout a day's rest, as a fan i prefer the denser tournaments with twice as many matches per day.

Im guessing here. But I would think the players love this type of schedule.

 

[Snafu23]

Im guessing here. But I would think the players love this type of schedule.

I would think so too, but would love their insight. If they didn't do greedy things like play exhos and needless tournaments with high appearance fees I wouldn't doubt it. But we see injuries more and more often despite the good diets and training regimes- maybe this will help reduce them. There really should be a 250 in the vicinity on the 2nd weeks though, 75% of the draw only get up to matches in those two weeks.