Carlos Alcaraz has thrown his full support behind the classic one-week schedule of ATP Masters 1000 tournaments as the debate rumbles on over the new extended 13-day schedule adopted by the vast majority of events in recent seasons.
The format revision, which permits 96 players to compete with built-in days off, is intended to emulate the structure of Grand Slam tournaments. But Alcaraz feels the original format makes for higher intensity and gives both fans and players more excitement.
“I feel like I enjoy more the one-week format,” Alcaraz said. “It’s tougher, but it challenges players and makes for a better competition.”
The only places that still go one-week are Monte Carlo and Paris Masters. Alcaraz recently conquered the time-pressed setup by winning the Monte-Carlo Masters, lending weight to his argument in favor of the condensed setup.
His remarks contribute to the increasing discussion within the tennis community, with players, organizers, and fans alike discussing the best way to shape the future of Masters 1000 tournaments. There had been no indication from the ATP of any potential changes in future seasons.
