Zverev Calls for Masters 1000 Shake-Up After China Open Win
Alexander Zverev kicked off his China Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Cameron Norrie on Thursday, winning 7-6, 6-4 to advance to the second round in Beijing. But it was his post-match comments that grabbed headlines, as the German called for a significant change to the ATP Masters 1000 series.
"I love it. I think Masters 1000s events should be like that," Zverev said, comparing the ATP 500 format to the elite Masters tournaments. "That’s what it used to be. Masters 1000 events, eight players had a bye, the rest didn’t. You saw first-round matches which were unbelievable. The No. 16 in the world could play the No. 17 in the world. The No. 9 in the world could play the No. 18 in the world. I think that was unbelievable to see. Now you got to wait for third round for like a week for matches like that to happen."
Zverev’s win over Norrie, a former world No. 8 and Wimbledon semifinalist, exemplified the challenging early-round matchups he enjoys. In Beijing, world No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime faced US Open semifinalist Karen Khachanov in his opener, further highlighting the depth of competition at ATP 500 events. Zverev believes Masters 1000 tournaments should adopt a similar structure, eliminating byes for top seeds to ensure high-quality matches from the first round.
A Season of Grand Slam Success
Zverev’s comments come amid the best season of his career. The 29-year-old has captured two Grand Slam titles in 2026, winning both Roland Garros and the US Open. He is now bidding to become the first German man since Boris Becker in 1991 to reach world No. 1. His form has cemented his status as one of the sport’s premier players, and his opinion carries weight as the ATP continues to evaluate its tournament formats.
Defending Best-of-Five at Grand Slams
Zverev also weighed in on the ongoing debate about whether Grand Slam matches should remain best-of-five sets. The discussion was reignited after Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open quarterfinal against Ben Shelton finished at 3:33 am New York time—the latest finish in the tournament’s history. Alcaraz firmly opposed any change, saying, "The Grand Slams are playing best-of-five. If we take away that and play best-of-three, I think we are just killing the Grand Slams."
Zverev agreed wholeheartedly. "I think winning a Grand Slam is one of the hardest things in sport because we play five sets, otherwise we could just play Masters events and add four more Masters to the year," he said. "A Grand Slam is different because we play best-of-five. It's history. It's part of what we do, part of why we physically prepare."
The two-time major champion dismissed concerns about shrinking attention spans, pointing to record attendance and viewership at the Australian Open and US Open this year. "I don't agree with the whole debate about attention span and all that because the Australian Open just had record numbers this year. The US Open just had record numbers this year. I kind of don't agree with it because I think the sport of tennis is growing," he added.
Zverev also noted that player sentiment overwhelmingly favors keeping best-of-five. "I don't know a single player who would like to play best-of-three sets. Yes, maybe Novak wants to play best-of-three because of course he's getting a bit older now. I think if you would have asked him this 10 years ago or 15 years ago, for sure not. It's history. It's the toughest thing to win in our sport because we play best-of-five sets. It's physically one of the most extreme things that you can go through. And no, I don't support it, just to clarify."
The Broader Schedule Debate
The conversation around match length and tournament structure is part of a larger dialogue about player workload and fan engagement. While some argue that shorter formats cater to modern viewing habits, traditionalists like Zverev and Alcaraz contend that Grand Slams’ unique demands are essential to their prestige. The ATP has yet to announce any formal changes to Masters 1000 draws, but Zverev’s comments add pressure to reconsider the status quo. As the tour heads into the Six Kings Slam exhibition later this month, where Zverev faces a tough draw against Taylor Fritz and potentially Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the spotlight on format and scheduling remains intense.
Zverev’s Immediate Focus: China Open and Beyond
For now, Zverev’s attention is on the China Open, where he next faces Shang Juncheng. A deep run in Beijing would bolster his bid for the year-end No. 1 ranking. His performance this season has already silenced critics who questioned his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. With two Slams in hand and a potential third at the Australian Open next year, Zverev is firmly in the conversation for tennis’s top honors.
Off the court, his advocacy for a more competitive Masters 1000 format could influence ATP decision-makers. The tour has experimented with byes and draw sizes in the past, but Zverev’s vision—fewer byes, more high-stakes early matches—resonates with fans who crave immediate drama. Whether the ATP listens remains to be seen, but the German’s voice is one of the most respected in the sport.
As the tennis world debates formats and schedules, one thing is clear: Zverev will continue to speak his mind, backed by the credibility of a career-defining year. His stance on preserving Grand Slam traditions and enhancing Masters 1000 competitiveness reflects a desire to honor tennis’s history while pushing for improvements that benefit players and fans alike.
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