Why Daniil Medvedev has got it completely wrong with his idea to fix the ATP Tour

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Daniil Medvedev has joined the debate on the ATP calendar in a major way, but his solution is certainly not the way to go.

Carlos Alcaraz has dominated the ATP Tour in 2026, with his smart scheduling definitely playing a key role in his success.

He has won both of the tournaments he has played in, and is clearly trying to be wise about his time on the court, with Alcaraz having been very outspoken about the ATP calendar in recent times.

His rival Medvedev has now entered the discussion, but his suggestion to fix the schedule really wouldn’t favor every ATP player, despite his belief that it would.

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Daniil Medvedev’s idea to fix the ATP calendar is completely wrong

Medvedev wants only Grand Slams and Masters 1000s mandatory, having been asked how he would make the schedule more playable after his opening win in Dubai.

“I would think the players would agree, from what I’m hearing, to making more let’s say even more mandatory tournaments,” he said.

“Because now it’s what? Nine, probably four Grand Slams. Make it a bit more, like get rid of the other ones. I love them. That’s the only way to make the tour shorter.

“It’s never going to happen because there are licenses, and basically ATP won’t have enough money to buy all of them.

“The other tournaments, they won’t say, Yeah, okay, we’re out, because they would lose the money. It’s business.

“I think right now with how the ATP Tour, it’s never going to change, at least while I’m playing, many other guys. But in general, yeah, I would say make four Grand Slams, I don’t know, 11 Masters, and that’s it.

“The other tournaments, maybe make them without points or something. Not like exhibitions, but without points or something.”

While the leading players may share that opinion, it is very unlikely that younger, up-and-coming players feel the same.

Such a selfish approach simply wouldn’t allow them to earn points and rise the rankings, not to mention it completely devalues ATP 500 and 250 tournaments.

It’s also a very surprising take from Medvedev, who hasn’t exactly been performing well in recent Grand Slams.

He fell in the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open after his second round exit in 2025, which was followed by first round losses at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

The Russian is a former world number one and a one-time Grand Slam champion, but right now the 30-year-old finds himself outside of the ATP top 10.

In that regard, his suggestion for the schedule isn’t too surprising, but it definitely isn’t the right solution for the busy calendar.

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Daniil Medvedev can look to Novak Djokovic for inspiration

Medvedev only has to look at the likes of Novak Djokovic for inspiration concerning the rankings and the schedule.

The Serbian has played just one tournament in 2026 so far, but finds himself third in the rankings thanks to his superb efforts when he does take to the court.

Notably, he’s done that despite being 38, with 30-year-old Medvedev simply not at the same level right now despite age being on his side.

Like Djokovic, world number one Alcaraz has been able to find a great balance with his schedule, showing Medvedev that deeper runs at bigger events is the more suitable approach, although that is easier said than done.

Injuries and fatigue have proven that the ATP calendar should be changed, with the same issue taking place on the WTA Tour, but there has to be a better way.

Reducing the number of mandatory Masters 1000 tournaments – currently eight of nine – is arguably more beneficial, or perhaps a longer off-season to allow more time for recovery.