Ben Shelton is one of the biggest names on the ATP Tour at the moment.
Shelton, who is currently at a career-high ranking, is continuing to have an impact at the biggest tournaments.
The American has even set himself a big goal for this year, as Shelton looks to qualify for a tournament for the first time.
After his latest win at the Canadian Open, where Shelton was involved in controversy with Flavio Cobolli, he pointed out an issue he has noticed on the ATP Tour.
Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty ImagesBen Shelton claims new Masters 1000 events are causing the level of tennis to ‘suffer’
The Canadian Open is being held over 12 days for the first time this year, as part of both the ATP and WTA Tours bid to continue expanding 1000 level tournaments.
These expanded Masters 1000 events have received heavy criticism since they have started to become a big factor on tour.
This decision has particularly backfired on the men’s tournament in Toronto this year, with Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz all withdrawing from the Canadian Open after having less time to recover from their exploits at Wimbledon.
After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year. I have small muscles issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next. To the tournament and to my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you…
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 21, 2025
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This is not the only way that the tournament has suffered in the eyes of Shelton, who believes that the level of tennis is worse at 12-day Masters 1000 events where players have a day between matches.
“Did you say, “us mere mortals?” I’m a mere mortal, too,” Shelton said in his post-match press conference. “Yeah, like I said, I think that my game is well equipped to deal with these conditions, and it helps a lot of my weapons. But when you’re not playing in these type of conditions throughout the year it can be difficult to adjust and find your range.
“I said that I was tired after Wimbledon, and if it was a different situation, maybe I wouldn’t have played that 500 in Washington. But in DC, it’s like my second home, and there’s some advantages to getting more matches in these type of conditions and feeling more and more comfortable.
“The difficult part, you know, these two-week tournaments you’re playing two-set matches, three-set matches, and you’re getting a day off in between, which everyone talks about in the locker room now, the level of tennis suffers. The level is definitely higher in those one-week tournaments, when you’re playing two out of three sets and you’re playing back-to-back days and you get into a consistent rhythm of playing.
“It’s tough with the start and stop, and I think that a combination of those things is probably what players are talking about and what’s throwing a lot of guys off.”
The Canadian Open tournament directors have responded to criticism from players and revealed if they have plans to make changes in 2026.
How many Masters 1000 tournaments are now held over 12 days?
There are nine Masters 1000 level tournaments on the ATP calendar in 2025, with seven of those now taking place over 12 days.
The only two that have not expanded are the Monte Carlo Masters and the Paris Masters, which are both still held over the traditional one week format.
Frances Tiafoe has also called out an issue with the Canadian Open this year, as the finals will take place on a Thursday instead of the traditional Sunday.
Masters 1000 TournamentDates in 2025Indian Wells5-16 March (12 days)Miami Open19-30 March (12 days)Monte Carlo Masters6-13 April (8 days)Madrid Open23 April – 4 May (12 days)Italian Open7-18 May (12 days)Canadian Open27 July – 7 August (12 days)Cincinnati Open7-18 August (12 days)Shanghai Masters1-12 October (12 days)Paris Masters27 October – 2 November (7 days)
There will be no time for players to rest after the conclusion of the Canadian Open, as the Cincinnati Open begins on the same day as the finals in Toronto.
Shelton will be looking to be part of the final in Canada, but first he has his quarterfinal match with Washington Open champion Alex de Minaur.