The ATP finals could never hold a candle to the Grand Slams, or is it the other way around?
The age-old debate of ATP finals versus Grand Slams has once again sprung up in the conversation now that the finals are just around the corner. And the latest players that were asked to weigh in on the matter are World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev and World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Surprisingly, the two gave out two opposing viewpoints. The Greek sensation Tsitsipas asserted that the ATP finals are more significant than a Grand Slam tournament, as it is the place where the top eight singles players from around the world compete against one another for the prestigious title.
Medvedev and Tsitsipas
When asked whether Medvedev shares Tsitsipas’s opinion, the Russian player expressed his disagreement. Medvedev stated that, for him, a Grand Slam tournament is more significant due to its five-set format, which makes it more difficult to win.
Daniil Medvedev & Andrey Rublev were asked if they agree with Stefanos Tsitsipas’ statement that ATP Finals is bigger than a Slam
Andrey: “I didn’t win either. I would like to win at least something. 😂 Better ask Daniil, he won both.”
Daniil: “I'd say a Slam. For me, it's… pic.twitter.com/LEt6dAyboM
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 11, 2023
So, what’s the difference between the two?
Grand Slam tournaments refer to the four competitions held annually in different settings. Its itinerary includes the Australian Open in mid-January (hard court), the French Open in May and early June (clay), Wimbledon in June and July (grass), and the US Open in August and September (hard court).
Each tournament is held over a two-week period. The ATP does not manage the Grand Slam tournaments; however, they provide the highest ranking points (2,000 points), highest prize money, the highest level of public and media interest, and the highest number of “Best of” sets (five sets) for men.
While the ATP cannot, in most parts, compare to the Grand Slam’s grandeur, as a player can only earn a maximum of 1500 points and can be won in three sets, it is more difficult to enter because only the top eight players are eligible to compete. Thus, it creates a distinctive ambiance that honors the finest in the sport, akin to an NBA All-Star Game.
An article from Essentially Sports perfectly summed up the difference between the two, “While some think the Grand Slams to be a better stage, some believe that the ATP Finals is the real chance for glory.”
Nevertheless, the spotlight for now is on the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, where an all-European field of players is set to compete: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Holger Rune, and Alexander Zverev.
Your 8 ATP Finalists in Turin.
Holger Rune.
Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Jannik Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic.
Daniil Medvedev.
Andrey Rublev.
Alexander Zverev.
Sharp looking bunch. Who’s taking the title? pic.twitter.com/dOowEdjq56
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 10, 2023
Cover Photo: YouTube