Tennis professionals are raising concerns about the demanding schedule as injuries and player retirements become increasingly common. With the season nearing its climax, figures like six-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz and fellow Grand Slam winners Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff question the sport’s heavy calendar.
Tennis Schedule Under Scrutiny
The intense calendar has been a recurring topic in recent years. Leading players, who often earn lucrative incomes, have voiced their frustrations. This week, a series of matches at the China Open ended prematurely due to injuries. On Monday alone, five players had to retire from their matches.
Recent Injuries and Player Retirements
- Daniil Medvedev struggled in his semi-final, retiring at 0-4 against US teenager Learner Tien.
- World number one Alcaraz recently sustained an ankle injury during the Tokyo Open.
- Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka is absent from the China Open due to a minor injury.
- Iga Swiatek expressed concerns about the long season and its impact on player health.
- American player Coco Gauff emphasized the need for a shorter season to lessen the strain on athletes.
Alcaraz, after winning his eighth title in Tokyo, acknowledged the crowded schedule, stating, “The schedule is really tight.” Shortly after, he withdrew from the Shanghai event to recover from his injury. Critics argue that top players often prioritize income from exhibition matches over necessary downtime. This season has seen many players reluctant to compete under such conditions, particularly as they head to Asia.
Concerns About Player Well-Being
Swiatek, the top seed in Beijing, openly discussed the challenges posed by an extensive schedule. She indicated that she might opt out of mandatory tournaments to safeguard her health. “There are a lot of injuries. I think it is because the season is too long and too intense,” she remarked.
The Women’s Tennis Association introduced requirements for elite players to compete in Grand Slams and WTA 1000 events starting last year. In the men’s circuit, similar regulations exist, further complicating the situation.
Players Voice Their Opinions
Coco Gauff, currently ranked number three in the world, also stressed the unsustainable nature of the current schedule. “I would like to see a solution to make the season shorter,” she noted. Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen, a home favorite, admitted to returning too early from elbow surgery, leading to her retirement during the China Open.
While some believe the rigorous schedule weeds out the strongest players, the growing number of injuries and retirements raises serious questions about player health and longevity in the sport.
