As the 2024 tennis season winds down, players are eagerly anticipating some well-deserved rest and training. The hectic tour has taken its toll on top-ranked athletes like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and even the legend, Novak Djokovic.
Despite their resilience in maintaining top-ten rankings, fatigue, and injuries have been constant for the players throughout the grueling schedule. It’s almost impossible to go on when your body is reaching its limit.
During a recent press conference, ITF President David Haggerty addressed the performance of the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup this season. He highlighted the relentless competition among players but acknowledged that the tennis calendar poses significant challenges. “There are many stakeholders with different views on what it should be,” Haggerty stated. “From our standpoint, the most important thing is the welfare of the players. We want the calendar to be the best possible for them.”
Earlier this year, several top players withdrew or struggled due to fatigue, with Alcaraz famously declaring that the intense schedule was “going to kill us.” while competing at the Laver Cup. Noting the list of injured players at that point. He had also already played nearly 50 matches by that point without a break. Haggerty emphasized that the ITF is committed to providing some relief as they prepare for next year’s events.
He mentioned ongoing discussions among stakeholders to ensure players can plan ahead. “They know when the Davis Cup weeks and Billie Jean King Cup weeks will be,” he explained.
To keep tennis exciting and attract fans, players must compete in key tournaments each season, including 19 events that feature eight mandatory Masters 1,000 tournaments, at least four ATP 500 events, and the four Grand Slams to maintain their rankings. He added, “They can plan for next year.
There are many ongoing discussions among the seven stakeholders about the calendar. This year, the Masters 1000 have been extended to last 12 days, there are many changes.”
This might add some relief not just to players, but coaches as well. The team of the athletes have also voiced concerns about the demanding schedule.
Darren Cahill, Sinner’s coach, has expressed intentions to adjust Sinner’s 2025 schedule to alleviate some pressure. He remarked, “The ATP isn’t making our lives easier,” pointing out that lengthy Masters 1000 tournaments extend over two weeks. This extended schedule often leads to injuries, as seen when Sinner missed the Italian Open due to an injury sustained at the US Open.
On the WTA side, Iga Swiatek has been vocal about her struggles with the relentless tour dates. Earlier in August, she lamented, “We don’t have time to work on stuff or live peacefully.” As she concluded her season, her frustrations echoed those of many players grappling with burnout in a demanding sport.
