Professional Tennis: A Grueling Calendar That Demands Changes
The 2024 professional tennis season officially concluded on December 22nd, when Joao Fonseca claimed the title at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Saudi Arabia, defeating Learner Tien. However, the 2025 season was already underway on December 27th with the United Cup in Australia. This tight schedule has sparked a debate about the length and intensity of the tennis season.
Players like Jordan Thompson, 2024 US Open doubles champion, have called the schedule a “joke.” The short break between tournaments, with only a few weeks of rest before the Next Gen Finals, highlights the limited opportunity professional tennis players have to rest and prepare for the next season.
The fatigue and the demands of the calendar are problems that have been increasing in recent years. Alex de Minaur attributed his early exit from the French Open to feeling “exhausted.” Iga Swiatek criticized the intensity of the calendar, and several players, such as Frances Tiafoe and Daria Kasatkina, ended their season early due to injuries and mental fatigue.
“The truth is that I’ve hit a wall and can’t continue. I need a break. A break from the monotonous daily routine of life on the circuit, the suitcases, the results, the pressure, the same faces (sorry, girls), everything that this life entails,” Kasatkina expressed on social media.
Daria Kasatkina
American tennis player Taylor Fritz had a standout season in 2024, reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and reaching his first Grand Slam final at the US Open. However, the success extended his season, forcing him to compete in the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup. Fritz noted that the season has no rest, especially for elite players, and that the short preseason does not allow for adequate rest.
For many players, the preseason is the only time to be at home, especially for Australians who spend most of the year traveling. Thompson expressed his desire to rest and relax in Australia, but the need to train and prepare for tournaments leaves him little time for rest.Novak Djokovic, former world number one, prioritized major events and spent time with his family, which allowed him to play fewer tournaments. However, circuit rules require players to participate in a specific number of tournaments, generating pressure to adhere to the schedule.
Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, among others, lost points because they did not meet the participation requirements. Swiatek highlighted the difficulty of meeting the mandatory schedule and the need to prioritize health.The WTA and others in the sport have pointed to the extended 1000-level tournaments as part of the strategy to ensure equal prize money with their male counterparts. However, Gauff and Swiatek, among others, have stated that it is “impossible” to meet all the requirements.
In the Shanghai Masters, several players complained about the heat and humidity, and Alcaraz withdrew due to an injury. Sinner also retired due to cramps, highlighting the impact of the long season.
The ATP has announced the addition of a new Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028, which will increase pressure on the calendar.
Jessica Pegula expressed her discontent with the extension of the US Open, and Brad Stine, coach of Tommy Paul, suggests that players should take more breaks and not be “paranoid” about losing ranking points.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has been a strong advocate for a shorter season, argues that exhibitions are different from official tournaments and that the focus and physical demand are lower.Fritz and other elite players, such as Alcaraz, have expressed the need to shorten the season, but changes are difficult due to commercial agreements and the structure of the calendar.
While the changes have been limited, there have been some modifications. The Billie Jean King Cup final was moved to September to give WTA players more rest time. Broader changes, such as a “Premier Tour” proposed by the four Grand Slams, have been discussed, but did not materialize.
Andy Roddick suggests rearranging tournaments to allow for a more flexible season and for players to have more opportunities. The WTA and ATP state that the health of the athletes is a priority and that they are in constant communication with the players. The ATP seeks to extend the preseason.
Djokovic, critical of the current calendar, believes that the players are not united enough to achieve significant changes. Ultimately, the future of professional tennis will depend on the ability of the players, organizations, and tournaments to find a balance that prioritizes the health and well-being of the athletes, while still maintaining the excitement and appeal of the sport.
