Alexander Zverev continues to criticize the ATP calendar.

Speaking to the press in Vienna, the German once again condemned an overloaded schedule and the changes planned for 2028.

“We should shorten the season by two or three weeks”

“I think the solution is relatively simple. I’ve said it several times: We should shorten the season by two or three weeks to give our bodies more time to rest and recover.”

To illustrate his point, the German discussed his own schedule, which could extend into December if he plays the Davis Cup: “This year, if I play the Davis Cup, we’ll practically be competing until December.

And if I had played in the United Cup, I would have had to play my first match at the end of December.”

He also explained why he decided not to participate in the United Cup: “I’m not going to play in the United Cup because it’s simply impossible for me.

If I go on vacation, I can’t fly directly from there to Australia. At some point, none of this makes sense anymore.”

Zverev especially regrets that his warnings have not been taken more seriously: “I’ve been saying the same thing for ten years, and nothing changes.

However, I think the players are now starting to talk more about this problem and express their dissatisfaction. I think more and more voices will be heard on this subject.”

He then summed up his feelings: “In my opinion, unfortunately, things are moving in the wrong direction for us.”

Zverev also addresses late-night matches

“The truth is that this year, I’ve gotten used to regularly playing in the evening, with several matches finishing very late. My body gradually adapted to this routine.”

However, Zverev believes he is fortunate to be able to recover despite these unusual hours: “Fortunately, I also have the ability and the good fortune to sleep for many hours.

If I go to bed at four in the morning, I can sleep in and get my nine hours.”

He also explained that this had not prevented him from performing well in Vienna: “That’s why I felt very good on court today. I think I played a good, fairly clean match, and tomorrow I want to maintain this level.”

Jódar and Fonseca, the young talents to watch

Finally, Zverev was asked about the players capable of challenging the established order in 2027. In his view, the current dominance is likely to continue.

“The dominance of three players began this year. Last year, there wasn’t three-player dominance, but two-player dominance. I was always third, but they were well ahead of me.

There are also talented players who could emerge, such as Jódar and Fonseca.

I also hope that some players who return to full fitness will be able to join the fight.

We’ll see how they develop and how much they improve their games. But I think it will still be too early for that to happen next year,” he concluded.

TennisTemple

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