ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi recently addressed concerns regarding the demanding ATP calendar, emphasizing that top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner should prioritize competing at higher-level tournaments rather than chasing guaranteed money at lower-tier events.
Several players, including Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz, have voiced frustrations about the hectic schedule. This year, both Alcaraz and Sinner have been dominant forces on the tennis courts, with the Spaniard claiming eight singles titles and the Italian securing five. While Alcaraz described the ATP Tour schedule as taxing and physically demanding, Sinner offered a more balanced view, acknowledging the length of the season but highlighting that players ultimately have the freedom to choose which events to participate in.
As the top two players continue their campaigns at the ATP Finals, ATP Chairman Gaudenzi stressed the importance of focusing on ranking points rather than guaranteed money, especially for those ranked within the top 50 and top 100.
“When it’s Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, or someone winning Slams and Masters, they don’t need to play the lower-ranked tournaments and wear themselves out,” Gaudenzi said during a press conference in Turin.
“I don’t think players should schedule with the guaranteed money as a priority. Players should be playing for ranking points and titles, especially if you are a top-50, top-100 player. If you’re high, in my opinion, you shouldn’t be playing down. If you’re Sinner or Alcaraz, you have no need to play the 250s for money, because it doesn’t fit within your ranking, and it’s not your level. When you’re winning Slams and Masters, you should be really playing up.”
Alcaraz secured the World No. 1 ranking after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in his final group stage match, advancing to the semifinals at the ATP Finals. Despite his on-court success, the young Spaniard has yet to claim a Davis Cup title. This year, he expressed strong determination to help his country win the trophy and pride in representing Spain.
In contrast, two-time Davis Cup winner Jannik Sinner recently withdrew from the tournament, which drew some critical remarks. However, during the same Turin press conference, Gaudenzi defended Sinner’s decision, noting the long season and the need for rest ahead of the upcoming year.
“I would say it’s normal for them because the season has been so long. They might keep it to have one more week to recover, to do vacation, to do pre-season, which is understandable. It’s normal,” Sinner commented at 22 years old.
If Carlos Alcaraz goes on to win this year’s ATP Finals, it will mark his first triumph at the prestigious event, further solidifying his status as one of tennis’s brightest young stars.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-if-sinner-alcaraz-need-play-money-atp-chairman-tells-players-fix-hectic-schedule-criticism
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