“Players only make decent money four times a year” – Denis Shapovalov on why players compete in exhibition matches despite hectic schedule

Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov chimed in on why some ATP players opted to participate in exhibition matches during the grueling ATP season, claiming it supplemented their income.

There has been some debate regarding whether tennis stars should compete at exhibition matches during the season, with several top-ranked players like Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev complaining about the hectic season schedule recently. However, critics have fired back, stating these players do not complain when they compete at lucrative exhibition tournaments, which tend to take place during the aforementioned hectic season.

The former World No.10 took to social media to give his thoughts, explaining that players outside the top 20 used that opportunity to earn money. Shapovalov stated it was essential considering the limited amount of money they could make on the ATP Tour.

“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 exhos for good cash,” wrote Shapovalov on Twitter.

Shapovalov’s point was countered by Myles David, host of the Tuned Into Tennis Podcast, who brought up the season’s earnings (over $500,000) of World No. 113 Laslo Djere. However, Shapovalov was quick to point out that a lot went into finances for the player and his coaching team. The Canadian re-affirmed his position, concluding it made financial sense to compete at these exhibition events.

“Yes but take out taxes, percentages, salaries and expenses we pay,” added Shapovalov. “Tennis isn’t like other sports where you keep the money you make. There are a lot of costs as a tennis player. Not saying we don’t make money, just that we make much more money playing exhos.”