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Tsitsipas Criticizes Two-Week ATP Masters Format, Calling It a Drag

Stefanos Tsitsipas has voiced his concerns over the growing trend of stretching ATP Masters 1000 tournaments to two weeks, arguing that it leads to a decline in match quality due to insufficient recovery and training time. Currently, five Masters tournaments span two weeks, and starting in 2025, the ATP plans to extend seven out of nine events to 12 days each. This shift, however, has been met with pushback from players, who argue that the longer schedule affects both their physical condition and the intensity of the matches.

Tsitsipas responded to former player Andy Roddick, who had expressed on his podcast that two-week Masters events are “so stupid,” noting that they seem to lead to more injuries. He suggested that a one-week event would allow players to recover and focus on building their bodies during the off-weeks. Tsitsipas echoed this sentiment, saying, “The two-week Masters 1000s have turned into a drag. The quality has definitely dropped. Players aren’t getting the recovery or training time they need with constant matches and no space for the intense work off the court,” in a post on X.

Tsitsipas isn’t alone in his concerns. Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has previously criticized the tight calendar, noting that the relentless schedule affects players’ motivation and raises injury risks. Alexander Zverev, another prominent player, added that while the longer events may benefit lower-ranked players by giving them more opportunities to compete, they place added strain on top players who consistently aim to reach the tournament finals. As Zverev noted, “Resting is when you’re spending time at home… That’s what resting is.” This pushback from players highlights the growing tension between the ATP’s scheduling decisions and the physical and mental demands of high-level tennis.

Cyprus Government Fortifies Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

Government Commitment to Stability and Growth

Cyprus continues to build a strong and resilient economic foundation to support business planning and investment, as emphasized by Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki. Representing President Nikos Christodoulides at the 12th Keve Business Leader Awards, Piki underscored that in today’s volatile global landscape, a consistent and reliable economy remains the cornerstone for long‐term strategic planning and confidence-building among businesses.

Strengthening Competitive Edge and Attracting Investment

Piki lauded the role of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) for its dedication to promoting Cyprus as an attractive investment destination and for supporting the expansion of local businesses. Reflecting on President Christodoulides’s recent address at Keve’s annual general assembly, she outlined the government’s vision for a more competitive Cyprus, which includes expanding market access, improving financing channels, and implementing a streamlined, business-friendly regulatory framework—all pivotal as Cyprus prepares for its EU Council presidency.

Economic Indicators Reflecting Confidence

Despite global uncertainties, Piki highlighted that the Cypriot economy continues to demonstrate resilience: gross domestic product grew by 3.4% in 2024, and forecasts indicate nearly 4% growth in 2025. With inflation remaining among the lowest in the European Union and unemployment dropping below 5%, these indicators affirm steady economic progress. Furthermore, positive ratings from international credit agencies, which have placed Cyprus in the A category with upbeat outlooks, underscore the success of prudent economic policies.

Fiscal Discipline and Strategic Investments

The government’s upcoming 2026 budget, which reinforces fiscal stability with a surplus balance and targets a decline in public debt to 50.9% of GDP, opens the door for strategic policy interventions. Piki noted that investments in energy, digital infrastructure, technology, and green growth are key priorities. Enhanced by the nearing completion of Recovery and Resilience Plan projects, Cyprus is now setting the stage for the next seven-year EU funding framework, ensuring a robust platform for sustained growth with active collaboration from the business community.

Regulatory Reforms and Market Liberalization

Central to the government’s agenda is the imminent tax reform, expected to be finalized on December 22 and implemented on January 1, 2026. This reform is designed to bolster business liquidity and attract new investments. The establishment of the National Enterprise Development Organisation further complements these efforts by offering financing tools and advisory services for small and medium-sized enterprises. Complementing these initiatives, the Cyprus Equity Fund is actively investing in innovative companies, while the Ministry of Energy grant schemes are projected to mobilize €360 million by 2027 to boost competitiveness.

Accelerating Digital Transformation and Energy Reforms

In its pursuit of a modernized business environment, the government is set to introduce a Business Service Centre in central Nicosia in 2025, consolidating licensing procedures to significantly reduce bureaucratic delays. In tandem, the impending launch of a competitive electricity market in October 2025 will empower companies to select their energy suppliers, fostering market competition and fair pricing.

Nurturing Human Capital

Recognizing the importance of talent in driving economic progress, the government is intensifying efforts to attract skilled professionals back to Cyprus. The Minds in Cyprus initiative, a collaboration with Keve and Invest Cyprus, seeks to reverse the talent drain by engaging Cypriots abroad through a series of events scheduled in the United States, United Kingdom, and Greece during 2026.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Concluding her address, Deputy Minister Piki congratulated the award recipients for their innovation and resilience, asserting that their achievements are a testament to the dynamism of the Cypriot business community. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing reforms that support a stable, competitive, and sustainable economic future for Cyprus.

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