Zverev Calls For One-Week Masters Events To Fix Player Workload

Alexander Zverev backs one-week Masters

Alexander Zverev says cutting Masters to one week is “obvious” workload solution, top players sit out Toronto.

“Seven weeks in North America,” Zverev wants shorter Masters events...

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev said trimming Masters 1000 tournaments back to a single week would make it easier for players to stay fit, rather than constantly having to pick and choose events to manage their schedule.

Jannik Sinner pulled out of the Canadian Open to focus on recovery after defending his Wimbledon title, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic also skipped the U.S. Open warm-up as part of his workload management.

Carlos Alcaraz was also absent with a wrist issue that has sidelined him since April.

That meant the Canadian Open was once again missing three of the biggest names in the game - the same three who sat out last year’s event as well.

Zverev, the French Open champion who was beaten in his first match in Montreal, told reporters: “I think that's what two-week events do. 

“Unfortunately, especially if there's a Grand Slam coming after that. If you play everything and you're ⁠a top player, you spend seven weeks here in North America.”

Alexander Zverev volvió a mostrarse muy crítico con los Masters 1000 de dos semanas y el impacto que tienen en los jugadores.

🗣 "Así funcionan hoy estos torneos. Es un problema, sobre todo si después hay un Grand Slam. Si sos un jugador de élite, terminás pasando siete semanas… pic.twitter.com/tuEJBYJkzB

— Tiempo De Tenis (@Tiempodetenis1) August 12, 2026

Since 2025, seven of the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments have been stretched to 12 days. Only Monte-Carlo and the Paris Masters remain as one-week events.

Players have spoken out against the longer format, but the ATP says it’s up to them to manage their calendars. The tour also added it’s working on incentives to ensure players compete in a reasonable number of matches across the season.