Former Australian Open Finalist Agrees With Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek’s Views on the Tennis Schedule

Marcos Baghdatis believes that Novak Djokovic's PTPA is the best platform through which players can air their complaints.

Former Australian Open Finalist Agrees With Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek’s Views on the Tennis Schedule

Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz Brasil)

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Former Australian finalist Marcos Baghdatis has revealed that he agrees with the views of Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz on the Tennis schedule becoming a problem on tour. The tennis calendar has become one of the major discussions every season as more players continue to complain about how hectic it is for them.

Most of the criticism about the tennis schedule has been centered on the expansion of several ATP and WTA 1000 tournaments to 12 days from 7 days previously. Also, some players have complained about the number of mandatory events often on tour as they are sometimes forced to play even when they need rest.

Alcaraz and Swiatek have been the most outspoken critics of the tour schedule, but the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Jack Draper, and Taylor Fritz have also voiced their concerns about the issue. But the ATP and WTA have continued to defend their position on the schedule.

A few weeks ago, Swiatek revealed that she plans not to compete in some tournaments next season, as she aims to prioritize her physical health over on-court appearances. However, that will come with some penalties as top players are obliged to compete in all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, and six WTA 500 events. Under the WTA rules, a player who breaches any of the rules will suffer punishment ranging from ranking points deduction to fines.

During an interview with Tennis365, Marcos Baghdatis was asked about the current issue with the ATP and WTA schedule. The former World No.8 admitted that he supports the views of Alcaraz and Sinner, but noted that he doesn’t like the way the players are expressing their criticism and complaints:

Listen, yes, I really do think it [the schedule] is a problem. I think that it’s been a while since it’s been a problem, but I hate players complaining about it. And the reason why I hate when they complain about it is not because they complain, it’s because they have a union, they have an association, they have the PTPA now, that is there and that is fighting for them. Their voice is very strong and they can go to the PTPA and they can talk with them.

Alcaraz finished the year as ATP No.1, beating his arch-rival Jannik Sinner to claim the crown for the second time this season. He also won two Grand Slams, three ATP Masters 1000 titles, and three ATP 500 crowns. Meanwhile, Swiatek finished as No.2 for the second consecutive season on tour.

Marcos Baghdatis believes the PTPA is the best platform through which players can air their grievances

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has always put the interests of tennis players first. A few months ago, the PTPA filed a lawsuit against the WTA, ATP, and all the Grand Slam tournaments were added to it in September. The suit seeks to end the monopolistic control of the ATP and WTA over players.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/AllAboutHQ)

Several players criticized the suit, including Carlos Alcaraz, as they were not informed earlier before the case was filed in court in New York. During the aforementioned interview, Marcos Baghdatis admitted that the PTPA is the best platform through which players can voice out their concerns about the tennis schedule and not through the media:

They have an association that was created by some of the players, like Novak [Djokovic] and Vasek Pospisil, and they have whatever they need to be able to go and negotiate with the tours and the tournaments.But they don’t do it, they only complain through media and interviews and all that. That’s where I find it a bit strange. For me, yeah, that’s where, whenever a player complains, I tell them: okay, you can change things, guys.

In November, Tennis Australia announced that it was in talks with the PTPA on the issues of prize money and scheduling. The Professional Tennis body revealed that a settlement is likely to be reached in the near future.

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