As if it wasn’t enough for the Canadian Open to lack star power, Frances Tiafoe has now hit out at the extended schedule.
The Canadian Open has been extended from its previous one-week format to be held over 12 days starting with this year’s tournament.
The singles draw for the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Canada now features 96 players compared to 56 in previous editions. The 2025 men’s event in Toronto got underway today, while the final will be played on Thursday 7 August.
The ATP Tour has now implemented the 12-day, 96-player format at seven of the nine Masters 1000 tournaments. Prior to the changes, seven of the nine Masters events were played over a single week and included 56 players.
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper are among the host of stars who pulled out of the Canadian Open.
In a press conference, Tiafoe made his feelings clear on the new format being adopted at the Canadian Open and slammed the Thursday final date.
“It is what it is. I like that it’s a bit shorter than Madrid, Rome. Weird because the final is on a Thursday. That’s garbage,” said the world No. 11.
“But, I mean, I think it’s going to be great. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I love the city of Toronto. My girlfriend’s from there. Then I’ve got a lot of friends in the league from there, so I’m going to be set up, have a good time.
“But yeah, I mean, I guess I’m ready to get going and see how that goes. The 10-day events are tough, but I think it will be easier since I’m so close to the States. Something goes wrong, I’m a quick flight home.
“It’s not like when I’m stuck in Europe and playing on red clay and people speaking different languages and s-. It’s better to kind of be in the States, so for sure, I’m really happy. Hopefully put up some good results going into the Open. That’s kind of what matters.”
Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas are among the high-profile ATP players who have already criticised the expanded Masters format.
In April, Alcaraz said: “The one week ones are better. Some will think that in two weeks there are days of rest, but that is not the case.
“You train, you have to mentally prepare for the game, prepare for it… you’re not resting, really. It’s two full weeks. That’s why I prefer the one-week Masters 1000. For me, it’s better for tennis.”
