Tennis Faces Injury Crisis: Players Urge Calendar Overhaul

Jack Draper has called for a significant overhaul of tennis’s annual calendar to mitigate the increasing number of injuries among professional players. The 23-year-old British player, who is currently recovering from an injury, shared his thoughts on social media, emphasizing that the physical demands of elite sport are pushing athletes beyond their limits. Draper, alongside other top players like compatriot Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic, and Holger Rune, has been affected by injury this season.

“Injuries are going to happen,” Draper stated. “We are pushing our bodies to do things that they aren’t supposed to in elite sport. We have so many incredible younger guys on the tour right now, and I’m proud to be a part of that. However, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are going to achieve some sort of longevity.”

Draper’s remarks come as the sport grapples with a rising trend of injuries, which has recently seen the likes of Djokovic retire from a match during the Six Kings Slam exhibition. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was unable to continue his third-place play-off against Taylor Fritz due to physical issues. At 38 years old, Djokovic is nearing the end of his illustrious career, but younger players are also feeling the strain. Notably, Holger Rune, just 22 years old, withdrew from the Nordic Open due to a significant Achilles tendon injury.

The situation is not unique to Draper and his peers. Emma Raducanu, the British No. 1, concluded her season early following ongoing physical challenges in China. She had planned to compete in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo and the Hong Kong Open, which begins on October 27, but opted to prioritize her recovery instead.

Other prominent players, including Naomi Osaka, Daria Kasatkina, Elina Svitolina, and Paula Badosa, have also dealt with fitness concerns this year. The increasing frequency of injuries has sparked discussions within the tennis community about the sustainability of the current tour schedule.

Fritz echoed Draper’s sentiments, noting, “We are seeing more injuries and burnout now than ever before.” The world No. 4 pointed out that changes in playing conditions, including slower balls and courts, have exacerbated the physical toll on players, making the rigorous weekly competition even more demanding.

As the tennis season progresses, it is clear that the sport must address these issues. A careful reevaluation of the calendar could help safeguard the health of its athletes, ensuring that both emerging talents and established stars can continue to compete at the highest level without compromising their well-being. The need for adaptation has never been more pressing, as the voices of players like Draper and Fritz highlight the urgency of the situation.