Shapovalov also weighs in on the calendar controversy: "If the players earned a decent amount of money.."

Carlos Navarro | 27 Sep 2024 | 14.32

Denis Shapovalov.

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In recent days, a very interesting debate has arisen in the tennis world regarding the calendar and exhibitions. Are they the same thing? Do the complaints of the top players about the calendar have legitimacy when, on the other hand, they use weeks in their schedule to play exhibitions solely for money? The latest to speak out, following a debate that gained momentum thanks to John Millman and Taylor Fritz, was a clear Denis Shapovalov in his arguments.

"In my opinion, if players were to earn a decent amount of money throughout the season, they wouldn't feel the need to play exhibitions during rest weeks. Instead, tennis players (except perhaps the top 20) only earn a decent amount of money four times a year (the Slams). Therefore, players obviously go to exhibitions to earn good money. In addition to the prize money, there are taxes, percentages, salaries, and costs that we tennis players have to pay. Tennis isn't like other sports where you keep all the money you earn. There are many costs if you're a tennis player. I'm not saying we don't make money, I'm just saying we make a lot more money playing exhibitions."

In my opinion if players would make decent money during the season they wouldn’t feel the need to play exhos in off weeks. Instead, players (aside from maybe top 20) only make decent money 4 times a year (slams). So it’s a no brainer for players to go play echos for good cash
— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) September 27, 2024