"It's the reason why so many players are getting injured": Stefanos Tsitsipas slams new Masters 1000 format in 'exhausting' Madrid and Rome double header

Stefanos Tsitsipas expressed his disapproval of the two-week duration format of ATP Masters 1000 tournaments. The Greek, who recently clinched his third Monte-Carlo Masters title, commented that the prolonged duration of these tournaments is exhausting for the players and he hopes they return to being played over just one week.

The 26-year-old mentioned that the extended duration of tournaments and the hectic player calendar are the reasons behind the constant injuries seen on the ATP Tour: "I would like the Masters 1000 to go back to 1 week. The new format is exhausting, I think it's the reason why so many players are getting injured. With the exception of Indian Wells and Miami, the others should go back regardless of earnings.”

“It's no coincidence that there was a great show in Monte-Carlo: in the week-long tournaments the level is higher and the show is better for the crowd too," he explained.

Additionally, the world No. 8 mentioned that he dreams of winning a Grand Slam title and intends to return to the top 5: "If you saw how emotional I was in Monte Carlo, you understand how much it meant to me. Dropping out of the top 10 was strange."

"First, you feel like the CEO of a company and suddenly you're an employee again. The top 10 is an exclusive club and you understand the value when you are no longer there. I hope to do even more and I want to be among the top 5 in the world," he explained.

Tsitsipas has a record of 10-2 on clay this year and is considered one of the favorites for his participation in the Rome Open and a couple of weeks later in the French Open. The Greek acknowledges that he will have chances at Roland Garros, but he will only consider himself a potential champion if he reaches the semifinals: "Let's say yes, but I only start to consider myself a potential champion when I reach the semifinal. There I begin to have a chance to realize my dream. First, there are many competitive opponents," he said.