Marcos Baghdatis says he agrees that the schedule is "a problem," but "hates" to see players complaining about it just because they are doing it through interviews, instead of joining Novak Djokovic's PTPA and let the association fight for them.
Carlos Alcaraz, the top-ranked player in men's tennis, and WTA world No. 2 Iga Swiatek have been among the harshest and loudest critics of the schedule. In one interview, Alcaraz stated that the schedule was "going to kill us in some way," while in another he warned the authorities that "something must be done" about the issue. Meanwhile, Swiatek described the schedule as "crazy" and has hinted that she plans to miss two mandatory tournaments in 2026.
ADVERTISEMENT
Baghdatis, who played on the Tour between 2003 and 2019, was asked to share his thoughts on the matter.
Baghdatis: I hato to hear them complaining... You have a union, go to them and let them handle it
Listen, yes, I really do think it [the schedule] is a problem. I think that its been a while that its a problem, but I hate players complaining about it. And the reason why I hate when they complain about it is not because they complain, its because they have a union, they have an association, they have the PTPA now, that is there and that is fighting for them. Their voice is very strong and they can go to the PTPA and they can talk with them and find ways to make things better," the Cypriot told Tennis365.
ADVERTISEMENT
After making his point clear, Baghdatis noted that back in his playing days, they didn't have an association that was created by the players and fought for the right of players.
But they dont do it, they only complain through media and interviews and all that. Thats where I find it a bit strange," the 2006 Australian Open finalist added.
Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil launched the PTPA in 2020. Since then, several very well-known players have joined the association, including Nick Kyrgios, Hubert Hurkacz, Reilly Opelka, Paula Badosa and Ons Jabeur.
When Djokovic created the PTPA project, he said that one of his main goals was to ensure better right for players competing on all levels.
The ATP has been strongly against the PTPA, with Pospisil even claiming in the past that he had some tense moments with ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi.
