Denis Shapovalov has defended players who chose to play in exhibition events as he discussed how money competitors make.
The ATP’s schedule debate took a turn when retired player John Millman and World number seven Taylor Fritz discussed exhibition events and the role they play on tour.
Millman argued that a less congested schedule on the ATP Tour would result in more players wanting to compete in exhibition events to fill the time.
Taylor Fritz responded by saying that playing in exhibition in a week off for the ATP Tour results in using less physical energy and no mental or emotional stress
Denis Shapovalov meanwhile, has since added to the argument in favour of playing exhibition events.
What did Denis Shapovalov say about tennis players competing in exhibition events?
In recent times, exhibition events have become more common in tennis.
In March, Carlos Alcaraz played an exhibition match against Rafael Nadal in Las Vegas that was streamed on Netflix in March, while the 21-year-old also contested an exhibition with Novak Djokovic in Saudi Arabia in November 2023.
Shapovalov defended those who choose to play in such events by expressing that players make more money from exhibitions than playing on the ATP Tour, claiming most of their income goes towards other expenses.
In response to Millman’s message on X, Shapovalov said: “In my opinion if players would make decent money during the season they wouldn’t feel the need to play exhibitions in off weeks.
“Instead, players (aside from maybe top 20) only make decent money 4 times a year (slams). So it’s a no brainer for players to go play exhibitions for good cash.”
In response to a fan who suggested tennis players make more than enough money, the former World number 10 added: “Yes but take out taxes, percentages, salaries and expenses we pay.
“Tennis isn’t like other sports where you keep the money you make. There are a lot of costs as a tennis player. Not saying we don’t make money, just that we make much more money playing exhibitions.”
Several players weigh in on the ATP Tour scheduled debate
Following a hectic short turnaround between the US Open and Davis Cup, followed by the Laver Cup and Asian swing, several players have voiced their concerns about this year’s congested schedule.
Alcaraz claimed the ATP schedule is ‘killing’ the players, while Fritz said he would welcome more weeks off and playing in a more relaxed environment of an exhibition match during that time.
On the other hand, World number one Jannik Sinner took a different approach and claimed players should just not compete at certain events if they need time to rest.
“Obviously we have some mandatory events, yes. As a player, you can still choose,” Sinner said before the China Open.
“It is a very busy schedule this year, there are a lot of tournaments. You don’t have to play in a tournament. If you want, you can play. If not, you don’t play.
“For example last year and also this year, I didn’t play some tournaments because I wanted to practice. There are some choices behind this. In general, yeah, the season is quite long, so sometimes it’s not easy.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
