Tsitsipas sends message to ATP: 'Increase prize money if you want us to play more'

(Getty/Gabriel Calvino)

Former world No.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas believes players deserve more prize money as a result of an uptick in workload, with the Greek also taking aim at the ATP for broken promises.

Since ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi started his role in 2020, he has had multiple discussions with players to understand their views on the schedule and how it can align with his 'OneVision' approach, a long-term strategic plan to create a unified model.

"Now is the time to keep pushing. The second phase of OneVision is about unifying our governance, adapting and becoming more agile, because our sport is undeniably stronger when we move forward together," said Gaudenzi earlier this month after being re-elected as Chairman for a third term.

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Unlike other players, such as Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz, who have expressed their wish to have more breathing space in the calendar, Tsitsipas has no issue with more tournaments, as long as the prize money reflects the output.

"The most frustrating part about this is, okay, you're making us work more, which is fine. Make us work more, but at least increase prize money," he told the What's the Call podcast.

"I got promised back in the day when I had an interview with the chairman of the ATP. He shared with me the 'OneVision' thing, and it all seemed alright when he was presenting it and sharing it with me.

"But there hasn't been a significant change with prize money and compensation for players for getting to play more."

Last season, a major talking point centred on the number of injuries and withdrawals from tournaments, linked to a heavier, more demanding schedule.

Seven of the nine ATP 1000 Masters events are held over a two-week period.

"I understand the reason they're doing it is for streaming, selling more tickets, and obviously, there are so many reasons why this is happening," Tsitsipas explained. "But it also creates much more fatigue and injury for players, and I don't think it's accidental that 2025 was the year with the most retirements on the ATP Tour.

"I'm not saying those Masters 1000s should go down to seven days, but at least they've got to find a sweet balance where we can still go over the normal amount but go within reason. Because the way they did it, they really extended it way too far ahead."

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