In an in-depth interview with L’Equipe, the ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi shed light on various aspects related to tennis. He indirectly addressed the concerns of players who have opposed the current seasonal schedule, emphasizing that tennis players are independent workers with the freedom to choose which tournaments to participate in.

Independent Workers and Tournament Choices

"We are not dealing with soccer or basketball where players are club employees. Our tennis players are independent workers who have the autonomy to decide their own schedules. While rankings do play a role, it ultimately depends on the most significant tournaments such as the Slams, the Masters 1000, and the ATP Finals. We decided to extend the ATP Masters 1000, and with the new format, reaching the final means playing just one more match compared to the old one. Additionally, some players choose to engage in numerous exhibitions outside the regular circuit, which is a phenomenon not commonly seen in other sports. The question arises: do you want to invest in the circuit or outside of it?" explained Gaudenzi. 1: This emphasizes the unique position of tennis players as independent entities. They have the flexibility to balance their participation in different tournaments based on their preferences and career goals. It shows that the ATP is aware of the players' choices and is working within that framework. 2: The comparison with other sports highlights the distinctiveness of tennis. It allows readers to understand why the issue of tournament participation and scheduling is particularly relevant in the tennis world.

Player Complaints and Injury Concerns

The ATP Chairman's response came in the wake of complaints from many players in recent weeks. Carlos Alcaraz, for instance, openly discussed the topic. The Spanish player, despite participating in several exhibition events, believes that the number of matches scheduled in a single season is excessive, and most injuries are directly related to this trend. 1: Alcaraz's perspective provides a firsthand account of the players' concerns. His admission that he sometimes doesn't feel motivated to go to a tournament shows the emotional toll that the intense schedule can take. 2: By highlighting the injury aspect, it becomes clear that the current schedule is not only demanding but also poses a risk to the players' well-being. This adds a layer of seriousness to the discussion.

Balls Matter and Technical Criticisms

In the same interview, Gaudenzi also touched upon the issue of balls. Tour players have expressed negative opinions about the balls used from week to week, as they don't like the frequent changes between tournaments. The Russian player Daniil Medvedev went into detail, expressing his harsh viewpoint. 1: Medvedev's comments about the Shanghai Rolex Masters highlight the specific problems with the balls. The fact that the balls fall apart after just five games and the lack of pressure in professional tennis due to these balls is a significant concern. 2: The discussion about technical characteristics shows the attention to detail that the ATP is giving to these aspects. It indicates that they are aware of the players' feedback and are working towards finding solutions.

Centralized Management and Future Plans

Gaudenzi is well aware of the problem and hopes that the situation can change starting next year with a centralized management approach. 1: The mention of centralized management shows the ATP's proactive stance in addressing the issues. It gives hope to players and fans alike that steps are being taken to improve the overall tennis experience. 2: The explanation about the phased implementation and the exclusion of Slam tournaments highlights the complexity of the situation. It shows that while efforts are being made, there are also contractual limitations to consider.