KEY POINTS
- Former world number one Daniil Medvedev suggested stripping ranking points from smaller ATP events to shorten the professional tennis season.
- The Russian star believes the current system forces athletes into a grueling 11-month calendar to secure qualification for elite tournaments.
- Medvedev acknowledged that financial licenses and existing business contracts make these structural changes unlikely during his active career.
Daniil Medvedev has called for a fundamental restructuring of how tennis rankings are calculated. Speaking during the Dubai Open, the world number 11 expressed concerns over the physical toll of the current professional circuit. He argued that the present system creates a relentless cycle of competition that leaves little time for recovery. Medvedev believes that changing the points distribution is the only effective way to reduce the length of the tour.
The proposed plan would limit ranking points to only the most prestigious events on the calendar. Under this suggestion, only the four Grand Slams and approximately eleven Masters 1000 tournaments would contribute to a player’s standing. Smaller ATP 250 and 500 level events would continue to operate as commercial entities but would not award points. This change would theoretically allow top players to skip smaller tournaments without fear of losing their world rank.
Medvedev highlighted that players currently feel obligated to participate in minor events to secure specific goals. He cited the race for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin as a primary driver of overexertion. Even if a tournament is not mandatory, the mathematical need for points often forces athletes to compete while exhausted. The Russian noted that this pressure frequently leads to significant injuries among the game’s top talents.
The 2021 US Open champion used recent examples to illustrate the dangers of the current 11-month grind. He specifically mentioned Holger Rune, who suffered a serious Achilles injury during a minor tournament while chasing points. Medvedev admitted that he personally played seven consecutive weeks last year to improve his seeding after a poor start. He stated that without the incentive of points, players would find it much easier to prioritize their health.
Despite his strong feelings, Medvedev conceded that such a revolution is currently impossible due to financial logistics. The ATP Tour operates on a system of tournament licenses that represent significant investments for organizers. Smaller tournaments would likely refuse to participate if they were stripped of their competitive relevance and ranking status. Medvedev admitted that the tour is a business first, and current contracts are unlikely to change soon.
The debate over the tennis calendar has intensified recently as more players speak out about mental and physical fatigue. ATP leadership has previously defended the schedule, suggesting that players have the freedom to choose their own participation. However, Medvedev countered that the reality of professional competition makes skipping events a difficult career risk. He remains skeptical that the governing bodies will implement meaningful reforms in the near future.
By advocating for a system similar to Formula 1, Medvedev envisions a more condensed and elite season. This would focus energy on the high-profile events that draw the largest global audiences and sponsorship. For now, the proposal remains a theoretical solution to a growing problem within the sport. Medvedev continues to balance his pursuit of titles with his public calls for a more sustainable professional environment.
