Jack Draper has reiterated concerns about the demanding tennis season, joining a growing number of players expressing dissatisfaction with the sport’s rigorous schedule. After a three-month injury layoff following the 2023 US Open, Draper has emerged as a vocal advocate for change, particularly after making an early exit at the recent Indian Wells tournament.
During an interview on BBC Radio Five Live, Draper highlighted feelings of burnout, noting he felt overwhelmed before the end of March. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among elite players, including Taylor Fritz, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner, who have voiced similar frustrations regarding the pressures of a year-round competitive calendar.
Tim Henman Calls for Shorter Season
Former British tennis player Tim Henman has weighed in on the discussion, suggesting that a shorter tennis season could alleviate some of the stress faced by athletes. In an interview with Tennis-Infinity.com, he remarked, “It would be fascinating if you could shorten it by a couple of months. I’d love to see a scenario where you actually had time off.” This perspective aligns with Draper’s calls for a reevaluation of the sport’s leadership and scheduling strategies.
Henman elaborated on the issue during a segment on Sky Sports, arguing that the sheer volume of tournaments can dilute the sport’s appeal. He pointed out that historically, the ATP Tour has featured as many as 12 tournaments in just four weeks in February, creating confusion for fans and players alike. “What does that mean when you’ve got Sinner playing here, and Alcaraz there?” Henman questioned, emphasizing the need for a clearer narrative within the sport.
He believes that implementing breaks in the calendar would benefit both players and fans. “It gives the players an opportunity to rest, it gives the fans the chance to build the excitement about the next tournament on the calendar,” he stated. This idea draws a comparison to the structure of Formula 1, which features scheduled breaks between races, allowing for greater anticipation.
Proposed Changes to Tournament Structure
Henman also criticized the length of major tournaments, suggesting that the current format of the four Grand Slams, lasting 12 days, could be shortened. “When you package that together, it becomes much easier for players to compete at their highest level while also having time to recover,” he noted. He sees potential for enhancing player performance through a more streamlined schedule.
In response to the ongoing scheduling issues, Andrea Gaudenzi, president of the ATP, has expressed a commitment to addressing these concerns. In an interview with Sky Sports, he acknowledged the complexity of the problem, stating, “It’s a very challenging problem to find a solution for all the parties coming together.” Gaudenzi aims to unite the various governing bodies of tennis, including the ATP, WTA, and ITF, in an effort to create a more cohesive and manageable calendar.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting, “I think we need one governor and one commercial entity to market the sport.” Gaudenzi’s vision seeks to streamline operations and enhance the overall appeal of tennis, which he believes could significantly increase its value and audience reach.
The fragmentation of governance within the sport poses a barrier to implementing major reforms. Gaudenzi acknowledged the difficulties but remains optimistic about the potential for progress, saying, “We’ve done great progress. We’re progressing well with WTA ventures.” His commitment to improving the sport reflects a growing recognition among officials and players alike of the need for a more sustainable approach to the tennis calendar.
As discussions continue about the future of tennis scheduling, the voices of players like Draper and Henman highlight a critical moment for the sport. The balance between competitive demands and player wellbeing is at the forefront of conversations that could reshape the landscape of professional tennis.
