Daniil Medvedev calls for ranking rethink, says points system fuels exhausting calender

Wed Feb 25 11:11:29 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Medvedev Calls for Radical ATP Ranking Overhaul to Ease Player Burden

The Story:

Daniil Medvedev is advocating for a significant restructuring of the ATP ranking system, proposing that only Grand Slam and Masters 1000 tournaments award ranking points. The former US Open champion argues this would alleviate the pressure on players to compete in smaller events throughout the grueling, near year-long tennis season. Medvedev believes that stripping smaller tournaments of ranking points could naturally shorten the season and provide players with more rest and recovery time. He acknowledges the proposal faces significant hurdles due to financial considerations and the reluctance of smaller tournaments to relinquish their ranking point status.

Key Points:

• Daniil Medvedev proposes that only Grand Slams and Masters 1000 tournaments award ranking points.
• He argues this would shorten the tennis season and reduce pressure on players.
• Medvedev believes the current system, even with planned minor tweaks for 2026, doesn’t address the core issue of an overly demanding schedule.
• He cites Holger Rune’s Achilles injury at an ATP 250 event as an example of players being forced to compete in smaller tournaments to chase ranking points.
• Medvedev admits to playing seven consecutive tournaments to recover ranking points after a slow start to his season, highlighting the pressure to compete.
• ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has previously defended the calendar, stating that participation beyond mandatory events is a player’s choice.

Key Takeaways:

• The current ATP ranking system and tour calendar are perceived by some top players as overly demanding and unsustainable.
• Financial considerations and the structure of the ATP’s licensing agreements present significant obstacles to radical changes in the ranking system.
• The debate highlights a tension between the commercial interests of the ATP and the physical well-being of its players.
• Medvedev’s proposal, while unlikely to be implemented in its entirety, could spark further discussions about optimizing the tennis calendar and ranking system.

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