Summary
Top tennis players are saying the tennis season is too long and intense, leading to mental and physical stress. Major players and organizations are considering changes to help athletes rest and recover better, but changes are difficult due to how the sport is organized.
Key Facts
- Daria Kasatkina and Elina Svitolina, both top players, have expressed concerns and taken breaks due to mental exhaustion.
- The 2025 tennis season lasted 47 weeks for men and slightly shorter for women.
- The Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) is pushing for better player protection and has taken legal action against tennis tours.
- The ATP Tour plans to reduce ranking events from 19 to 18 in 2026 to lessen player strain.
- Current player schedules often include 20 mandatory events, which leading players find taxing.
- The PTPA was created by players like Novak Djokovic to advocate for players' interests.
- Some professionals suggest adding breaks or shortening the season to give players more rest.
- Players face both mental fatigue and physical injuries due to the demanding schedule and pace of matches.
