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Mark Philippoussis makes strong comment on player complaints about the tennis schedule, ‘they’re not saying no’

Former Australian tennis star Mark Philippoussis has weighed in on the growing player backlash against the grueling ATP schedule, arguing that athletes retain full control over their commitments despite financial incentives. Philippoussis contrasted the approach of the sport’s elite—like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—who prioritize Grand Slam goals over lesser events, suggesting that current complaints stem from players accepting high-paying tournaments while still demanding time off.

His remarks come as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have both suffered prolonged injuries this season, with Alcaraz missing nearly five months of action and extending his recovery to avoid rushing back into a packed calendar. Alcaraz has previously criticized the ATP’s mandatory tournament structure, noting that even healthy players now face 40-week seasons, while also advocating for longer breaks to mitigate injury risks.

Though Philippoussis downplayed the urgency of scheduling changes, Alcaraz’s advocacy appears to have spurred recent ATP reforms, including the introduction of optional tournaments and extended rest periods for players seeking them.

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