In a scathing critique of the current state of two-week Masters tournaments in tennis, Ugo Humbert did not hold back on expressing his disdain. The French player boldly labeled the events as “the biggest bull—-” in tennis, highlighting the physical toll they take on players. As if that wasn’t enough, Humbert went on to challenge Jannik Sinner’s assertion that players have the luxury to pick and choose which tournaments to participate in.
The recent expansion of two-week events in Madrid, Rome, and Shanghai to join the ranks of Indian Wells and Miami has sparked controversy among players. Next year, the Masters tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati are set to follow suit. With big names from both the ATP and WTA Tours voicing their displeasure, it’s clear that not everyone is on board with the new format.
For years, players have been vocal about the grueling demands of the tennis calendar. The addition of more two-week events has only exacerbated the issue. Humbert minced no words in his criticism, stating, “They never go in the players’ direction. I’m sorry, but I think that, already, the biggest bulls— is to have put the Masters 1000 over two weeks. It’s tiring.” He also pointed out the financial strain and increased risk of injuries associated with the extended format.
In a candid interview with Tennis Majors, Humbert didn’t shy away from his feelings about the Masters change. He referred to it as “complete nonsense” and lamented the length of the season, noting that he can’t even be home for Christmas. His frustration echoed the sentiments of many players who feel overworked and underappreciated in a sport that prioritizes commercial interests over player welfare. The debate rages on as to whether the sacrifices are worth the supposed financial benefits, leaving players like Humbert to question the true cost of success in modern tennis.
