Stefanos Tsitsipas has urged the ATP to raise prize money if players are expected to compete more frequently. The former world No. 3 expressed frustration over what he sees as broken promises from the governing body. “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,” Tsitsipas said on the What’s the Call podcast.
OneVision and unmet expectations
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, re-elected for a third term earlier this month, has promoted his long-term strategic plan known as OneVision. “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,” Gaudenzi stated. Tsitsipas, however, argued that despite these initiatives, compensation has not improved. “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.”
Concerns over player fatigue
Tsitsipas also highlighted the physical toll of the expanded calendar, pointing to the Masters 1000 events, seven of which now span two weeks. “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. 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,” he explained.
Seeking balance
While Tsitsipas is not opposed to more tournaments, he insists that adjustments are needed to protect players. “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.”
The broader debate
Tsitsipas’s comments add to a growing conversation among players about workload and scheduling. Unlike Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz, who have called for more breaks in the calendar, Tsitsipas is open to a busier schedule—provided the financial rewards match the demands. His remarks underline the tension between commercial growth and player welfare, an issue likely to remain central in ATP discussions moving forward.
ATP Doha - Stefanos Tsitsipas's projected path
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2026
Now the world no.33, Tsitsipas played his last match on the 12th of February when he lost to world no.55 Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-4 7-6(4) in the 2nd round in Rotterdam (draw).
Currently, during this season Stefanos owns a 7-3 record.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 27th of October.
