Shelton Blasts Expanded Masters 1000 Format

Young American Cites Drop in Tennis Quality

Rising star Ben Shelton is voicing concerns about the ATP Tour’s recent shift towards longer, 12-day Masters 1000 events, suggesting it’s negatively impacting the overall standard of play.

Masters 1000 Expansion Under Scrutiny

Shelton, currently enjoying a career-high ranking, believes the extended format, which includes a day off between matches, disrupts player rhythm and diminishes the intensity seen in traditional one-week tournaments.

After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year. I have small muscles issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next. To the tournament and to my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you…

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz)
July 21, 2025

The Canadian Open, now a 12-day affair, has seen major withdrawals, including top players like Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz, who cited recovery needs after Wimbledon.

Shelton’s Take on Player Fatigue

“The difficult part, you know, these two-week tournaments you’re playing two-set matches, three-set matches, and you’re getting a day off in between, which everyone talks about in the locker room now, the level of tennis suffers. The level is definitely higher in those one-week tournaments, when you’re playing two out of three sets and you’re playing back-to-back days and you get into a consistent rhythm of playing.”

—Ben Shelton, Tennis Player

Shelton, who recently navigated a tense encounter with Flavio Cobolli at the Canadian Open, shared his perspective during his post-match press conference. He noted that while his game can adapt, the lack of consistent competitive rhythm across the tour makes it challenging for many players.

The ATP Tour features nine Masters 1000 events in 2025, with seven of them now extended to 12 days. Only the Monte Carlo Masters and the Paris Masters retain their traditional one-week format. In 2024, the ATP Tour’s average match duration across all events was approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. The longer format of Masters 1000 events can potentially alter this average. The schedule also presents a tight turnaround, with the Cincinnati Open commencing on the same day the Canadian Open concludes.

Tournament Schedule Shifts

The strategic decision to expand these events aims for broader appeal and increased revenue, but the player feedback suggests a potential disconnect between commercial goals and competitive integrity. Notably, the Canadian Open finals are scheduled for a Thursday, deviating from the customary Sunday conclusion.

Shelton is preparing for his quarterfinal match against Alex de Minaur, the reigning Washington Open champion, as he continues his campaign in Toronto amidst this ongoing debate about the tour’s evolving structure.