John Isner and Jack Sock were in agreement on what is one of the biggest talking points on the tennis circuit.
The American pair have both retired and share their views on the current game with their compatriots and former fellow players Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson.
In what is such a global sport, there is rarely a dull day in the world of professional tennis or a topic to discuss.
Now the US quartet have sat down to discuss a key change to the Masters 1000 events which is still a polarising topic.
John Isner and Jack Sock agree how they feel about the new length of Masters 1000 tournaments
In 2024, the ATP and WTA tours extended the length of the vast majority of the Masters 1000 tournaments on the circuit.
These events tended to last one week, but now they last 12 days, meaning players will spend more time at these tournaments, especially those who go on a deep run.
There has been a divisive response to the change, and now John Isner and Jack Sock used their Nothing major podcast to weigh in on the subject, and they do not agree with the longer Masters 1000 tournaments.
“I don’t know about you guys but I don’t love this new 12-day format of Madrid. It was so much better when it was concise,” Isner said.
“How good was Monte Carlo to be able to follow like Sunday to Sunday? It was quick, in and out. I think as a fan goes, it’s really hard to follow.
“I understand why they’re doing it, it’s just it’s more revenue for the tournaments. I don’t think it’s a good thing for the players, really that’s my opinion.”
Sock added: “I never experienced playing one like that but I think it’d be pretty annoying as a player and a little bit frustrating to have that many days off.
“You’re already over in Europe for a long time if you’re either an American or from outside of Europe, but yeah I’m not a fan either.”
What have other players said about the longer Masters and WTA 1000 tournaments?
Some of the current players have shared their views on the extended ATP and WTA 1000 events.
Carlos Alcaraz was not in favour of the change, as he said: “The one week ones are better. Some will think that in two weeks there are days of rest, but that is not the case.
“You train, you have to mentally prepare for the game, prepare for it… you’re not resting, really. It’s two full weeks. That’s why I prefer the one-week Masters 1000. For me, it’s better for tennis.”
After reaching the 2024 Cincinnati Masters final, Frances Tiafoe shares the same point of view. “I think the 10-12 days or whatever it is is a disgrace. I think to have every single Masters like that except Monte Carlo, I don’t like it at all,” he said.
“Prize money hasn’t risen, so I mean you’re having teams, a lot of wasted days. When I’m in Europe playing Madrid or Rome and they are 10 or 12 days, it’s like what am I sitting here doing? Just wasting time.
“I think it’s a joke. It just helps the tournament. The tournament gets two weekends but from a player’s standpoint, it doesn’t help us at all.” But on the other hand, the WTA’s World number Aryna Sabalenka, is in favour of the longer tournaments.
“I prefer two-week tournaments because having a day off between matches allows you to relax more, go out to dinner with your team, and explore the city,” Sabalenka said in her pre-Madrid Open press conference.
“Maybe in a few years I won’t be so interested in that and prefer to spend more time at home, but right now, that’s my mentality.”
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