Are exhibitions impacting 'tight' tennis calendar?
Written by I Dig SportsPlayers contesting the Davis Cup final on 24 November will have just 33 days until the 2025 United Cup begins in Australia. Those in the Billie Jean King Cup final will have just four days longer.
Cancelling tournaments with immediate effect is not an option, as apart from the Tour Finals, these events are not owned by the Tours.
The expansion of ATP Masters events to 12 days has left many unhappy, although the 96-player draws open up opportunities for the lower ranked players.
Prize money on the ATP Tour rose by $15m (11.5m) in 2023, and $6.6m (5m) was added to the end-of-season Bonus Pool. This new model allows profits generated by Masters tournaments to be shared equally, with 50% to the players.
By expanding several 1,000 events, we have increased financial opportunities for more players while introducing more rest days between matches, enhancing recovery time, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said in a reply prepared for BBC Sport.
We recognise the concerns raised by some top players that longer events can introduce an element of fatigue or burnout related to being away from home for extended periods.
"However, players ultimately have the autonomy to craft their own schedules based on their priorities - a freedom that comes with being independent contractors, unlike many other sports where players are bound by fixed schedules.
The health and well-being of our players is vitally important. We understand the ongoing need to improve rest periods to protect both the physical and mental health of our players.