During the ATP 500 event in Dubai, Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev, who is 30 years old, called for a reevaluation of the tournament calendar, proposing that smaller tournaments should not factor into the ATP rankings. His proposal comes in response to the physical pressures faced by players, aiming to create a more sustainable competitive environment. Medvedev, a former world number one, reached the semifinals of the championship in the Middle East, where he articulated his controversial idea.

Medvedev's suggestion stems from recent changes in the ATP ranking system, where the number of tournaments counted towards the rankings was reduced from 19 to 18. This adjustment means that players are now required to compete in four Grand Slams, eight of the nine Masters events, and a minimum of four ATP 500 tournaments. However, despite the reduction in the number of required tournaments, the ranking points from these ATP 500 events continue to impact players' standings, prompting Medvedev's call for further changes.

The proposal has sparked debate within the tennis community, as it challenges the traditional structure of the ATP circuit. By removing the impact of smaller tournaments on rankings, Medvedev believes players would face less pressure and could maintain their physical well-being more effectively. The implications of this idea could lead to significant changes in how professional tennis operates, potentially affecting tournament scheduling and player participation across various levels of the sport.