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topicnews · September 28, 2024

Denis Shapovalov on why players take part in exhibition matches despite the hectic schedule

Denis Shapovalov on why players take part in exhibition matches despite the hectic schedule

Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov has spoken out about why some ATP players take part in exhibition matches during the grueling ATP season, claiming it is to improve their income.
There has been a debate about whether tennis stars should compete in exhibition matches during the season. Several top players such as Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have recently complained about the season’s hectic schedule. However, critics have fired back, claiming that these players have no complaints when they compete in lucrative tournaments that usually take place during the aforementioned hectic season.

Shapovalov comments on this topic

The former world number 10. The latter took to social media and explained that players outside the top 20 are taking advantage of these opportunities to make money. Shapovalov explained that this was essential given the limited amount of money they can earn on the ATP Tour.

“If the players earned decent money during the season I don’t think they would feel the need to play exhos in the non-match weeks. Instead, players (apart from perhaps the top 20) only earn good money (slams) 4 times a year. “Therefore, it is a given for players to play for good money on Exhos,” Shapovalov wrote on Twitter.

Shapovalov’s argument was countered by Tuned Into Tennis podcast host Myles David, who mentioned world No. 113 Laslo Djere’s season earnings (over $500,000). However, Shapovalov pointed out that a lot of money was spent on the player and his coaching staff. The Canadian reiterated his position, noting that it makes financial sense to participate in these tournaments.

“Yes, but without taxes, percentages, penalties and expenses that we pay,” Shapovalov added. “Tennis is not like other sports where you keep the money you make. As a tennis player you have a lot of costs. I’m not saying we don’t make money, but we make a lot more money playing at Exhos.”

Reply to @Johnmillman

In my opinion, if players made decent money during the season, they wouldn’t feel the need to play against Exhos during their off weeks. Instead, players (aside from maybe the top 20) only earn decent money (slams) four times a year. Therefore, it is a given for players to play Echos for good money

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