Overview
- Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz publicly said the expanded two‑week, 96‑player Masters events for Canada and Cincinnati put top players under scheduling strain and encourage strategic withdrawals.
- High‑profile absences have followed that criticism, with Jannik Sinner withdrawing from both Canadian and Cincinnati events and Carlos Alcaraz also missing the two tournaments while rehabbing a wrist.
- Organisers and the ATP have increased prize money and Masters profit sharing tied to the longer format, including a 25% boost for 2025 and additional funds for 2026, which creates strong financial reasons to keep the expansion.
- The Canadian Open showed the competitive impact of the change, with just one top‑10 seed reaching the quarterfinals and dozens of pre‑event withdrawals leaving weakened draws and altered seedings.
- Tournament directors have formally raised the issue with the ATP but any rollback would be complex because the extra days generate ticketing, broadcast and player‑payment obligations that make quick reform politically and commercially difficult.