PARIS — World No. 4 Daniil Medvedev has issued a stark warning to ATP leadership, threatening to boycott matches in the future if tournament scheduling and player welfare concerns are not addressed. The Russian star, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, voiced his frustrations during a press conference at the Italian Open, where he criticized the governing body for prioritizing profits over player health.
Medvedev's Fiery Ultimatum
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, did not mince words when discussing the ATP’s handling of tournament schedules. "If things don’t change, I won’t be the only one refusing to play," he declared. "We’re not machines. The ATP needs to listen before players start walking away."
The 28-year-old highlighted several key grievances, including:
- Back-to-back tournaments with minimal recovery time
- Late-night matches extending past midnight
- Inconsistent enforcement of player-protection rules
Medvedev’s comments come amid growing player unrest over the ATP’s packed calendar, which has seen top stars like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic also voice concerns. "We’re risking our bodies every week, and no one seems to care," Medvedev added.
The Breaking Point: Madrid Open Debacle
Medvedev’s frustration reached a boiling point after his grueling Madrid Open campaign, where he played a late-night semifinal ending at 1:30 AM, only to face Carlos Alcaraz less than 16 hours later. "That’s not tennis—that’s torture," he said.
The ATP’s current rules allow tournaments to schedule matches as late as 11:59 PM, a policy Medvedev called "a joke for player recovery." He pointed to the 2023 US Open, where his quarterfinal against Andrey Rublev finished at 2:50 AM, as another example of poor scheduling.
Player Reactions
Medvedev’s stance has drawn support from peers. Stefanos Tsitsipas tweeted: "Daniil is right. We need change before more players get hurt." Meanwhile, Andy Murray has long advocated for scheduling reforms, calling late finishes "dangerous for the sport."
ATP’s Response
The ATP, in a statement to Reuters, acknowledged Medvedev’s concerns but defended its policies: "We continuously review scheduling to balance player health, fan experience, and broadcast requirements." However, insiders suggest Medvedev’s boycott threat could force urgent discussions.
Key unresolved issues include:
- No mandatory rest period between late finishes and next matches
- Inadequate compensation for players in extreme weather conditions
- Limited player input in calendar decisions
What’s Next?
Medvedev hinted at collective action if demands are ignored: "The Player Council knows my position. If nothing changes by 2025, we’ll have to take stronger measures." With the French Open approaching, all eyes are on whether the ATP will address these concerns or risk a player revolt.
As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: Medvedev’s warning shots have ignited a long-overdue conversation about the future of tennis scheduling. Whether the ATP heeds his ultimatum remains to be seen.