Expanded Masters events, according to Zverev, are bad for top-ranked players.

Alexander Zverev, ranked fifth in the world, claimed that because the Masters tournaments are now 12 days long, elite players have less time to recover from their extended absences from home.

A rung below the Grand Slams, five of the nine Masters events are 12-day affairs with draws of 96 players.

In an effort to improve the fan experience, the ATP announced in March that two more will follow suit starting in the following year.

Speaking ahead of the Italian Open, Zverev stated that competing in back-to-back major tournaments of that caliber was not ideal. Madrid and Rome both joined the list last year.

“The two-week Masters 1000 events are great for players ranked between 50 and 100 in the world because they get a chance to play a main draw event,” Zverev told the press.

For players in the top 10, it’s not ideal. That is all there is to it.

Yes, you are informed that you are not required to play every day and that you can take a day off. That isn’t really resting at the end of the day.

Resting is what you do when you’re at home with your family, your dogs, or your children, maybe sleeping in your own bed?

“If you’re somewhere else on the day in between matches, that’s not resting.

Going deep in an event simply means spending more time and effort if you’re aiming to advance to the semifinals or finals of each one.”

Due to injuries that have hampered their preparations for the French Open, which begins on May 26, world No. 2 Jannik Sinner and world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz will not be in Rome.

According to Zverev, shortening the season could help athletes avoid getting hurt.

“An 11-month season, like the one we currently have, is just not enough time.

There isn’t enough time for physical rest. Additionally, there isn’t enough time for physical preparation,” he continued.

“Playing a lot is more important for physical preparation than practicing a lot on the court.

What matters most during the season is the amount of work you put in outside the court, on the track, and in the gym.”

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