DOHA: World number 11 Daniil Medvedev has called for a streamlined ATP calendar in which only Grand Slams and Masters 1000 tournaments offer ranking points, though he acknowledged such reforms are unlikely.
Top players are currently required to compete in the four majors and eight Masters events, with the rankings tally set to drop from 19 to 18 tournaments in 2026 after the ATP removed one ATP 500 commitment.
Medvedev said removing ranking points from smaller events would ease pressure on players who have criticised the 11-month season.“That’s the only way to make the tour shorter,” he said. “It’s never going to happen because there are licences, and the ATP won’t have enough money to buy all of them.“The other tournaments won’t say, ‘OK, we’re out’ because they would lose money. It’s business.”
Reuters has contacted the Association of Tennis Professionals for comment.ATP chief Andrea Gaudenzi defended the calendar in October, saying scheduling remained the players’ choice.Medvedev said players often overextend themselves in the race to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, citing Holger Rune’s Achilles rupture at an ATP 250 event.“If there would be no points, it’s an easier decision,” Medvedev said
