While news of the postponement of the French Open 2021 has disappointed fans, even players aren’t thrilled with the sudden decision. What is also becoming problematic for them is the reduction in the prize money. After American tennis player Steve Johnson expressed his anger on the issue, John Millman took it upon himself to explain the thought process behind it.

After learning about the changes in the Roland Garros schedule and reduction of prize money, former World No.21 Steve Johnson took to Twitter to ask why ATP wasn’t allowing Indian Wells Masters 2021 to pay players without any reduction. He even raised doubts that the ATP is making profits from such reductions.

In response, Australian tennis player John Millman claimed that the ATP has nothing to do with the denial of Indian Wells Masters’ proposal. He explained that the tournament didn’t get approval because the organizers weren’t flexible about the scheduling of the event.

“Mate, they didn’t get approval initially because they weren’t flexible with when they wanted to have the event. Options were given with available weeks. They didn’t want any of them, wanted one specific week,” said Millman.

“Simply untrue”- John Millman on the claims made by Steve Johnson

Millman highlighted that the schedule of many other tournaments would have been disrupted because of the BNP Paribas Open. He also put aside all the claims of Johnson and called them ‘untrue’.