Aussie Star Jordan Thompson Urges Scheduling Overhaul Amidst Masters Extension Impact

The recent extension of multiple Masters tier tournaments has complicated an already challenging tour, according to Australian tennis player Jordan Thompson.

Thompson voiced his concerns about the increasingly crowded schedule as he struggles to match his career-best performance from 2024.

The Sydneysider has found himself with barely a week off in 2025, as modifications to the timetable have left players with even less time to recuperate and connect with their families.

After his exit from the Roland-Garros doubles competition on Tuesday, Thompson shed light on the difficulties modern players encounter.

The recent trend of extending 1000 series events to two weeks has sparked debates regarding player welfare and its overall effect on the sport.

Historically, 1000 events have been packed into a week of elite competition featuring the sport’s top talent.

However, with the majority of tournaments now stretching to 12 days and featuring a 96-player draw instead of 64, players feel these changes prolong the tournament, particularly in the first week, which often lacks excitement and resembles a qualifying event more than a showcase of the sport’s finest.

The lengthening of such events forces players to linger at tournaments longer, leaving even less time for recovery. With the race for rankings points and prize money so fierce, many athletes are competing through injuries just to maintain their standings.

“Unfortunately, the ATP schedule is so challenging that we feel we can’t take breaks. Doing so allows others to leapfrog us in the rankings and grab more prize money, making us feel as though we’re missing crucial opportunities,” he lamented.

“I really can’t abide the current schedule. I detest the two-week Masters events; they’re particularly challenging for Aussie players. In recent years, I’ve been away for so long after the Australian Open that I usually only return at the start of December, having to wait until the Davis Cup wraps up.”

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“I realise there are opportunities to return home during the year, but it’s such a long journey to Australia. I don’t see the advantage in going back for fewer than 10 days, because by the time I acclimatise to the time zone difference, I have to return to compete again. So, I just don’t believe that’s beneficial for any tennis player.”

He added: “I’ve yet to meet a player who appreciates the two-week tournaments. It feels as though you’re stuck there for an eternity.

“I’ve made it to the doubles final a couple of times and found myself in the same city for over 17 days at one tournament. Why should it take so long to conclude a single event? We don’t actually need a day off for playing; they’re just three-set matches.

“It should be structured like the Paris Masters, a one-week event. Why turn that into a two-week ordeal? In my view, it’s an utter waste of time, and I’m sure many other players share my sentiments.”

The tour schedule has long been a significant grievance among players, forming part of a legal dispute against the governing body of tennis.

While players express their dissatisfaction with the updated arrangements, fans are also short-changed during the extended tournament formats.

The lack of top-tier matches and prominent players in the early rounds causes fans to wait days for the high-stakes encounters that usually headline a one-week event.

For Thompson, who also balances Davis Cup responsibilities, there’s little time for anything other than tennis.

“Our off-season amounts to a pitiful three weeks. It’s ridiculous. I could use much harsher words to describe our off-season. It’s simply a joke,” he remarked.

“Playing in Australia is fantastic, but if you’re involved in the Davis Cup, you might only manage about seven days off, which constitutes your off-season, as you’ll be back to training before Christmas.

“Our 2025 campaign commenced in 2024. It’s absolutely absurd. Where’s the break for tennis players? Honestly, it feels like there’s no room for rest or even a holiday.”