Are exhibitions reshaping the tennis calendar?

Lately, the intense schedule of professional tennis has been in the spotlight, especially with players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner raising concerns about burnout. Alcaraz recently voiced his worries, saying that the grueling schedule could eventually “kill us in some way.” Despite these demands, top players still often accept invitations to play in high-profile exhibition events. The recent Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, where Alcaraz and Sinner competed, reignited debates about how these extra commitments could impact their performance and well-being.

Some players feel the exhibitions contribute to an already packed schedule, while others see them as a way to unwind or earn extra money in a less pressured environment. Yet, critics argue that if players are truly exhausted, skipping these events could help reduce their workload.

What’s the Current Schedule Like for Top Players?

Both the ATP and WTA Tours set mandatory appearances for top-ranked players. ATP players, for instance, must attend 19 tournaments to contribute to their rankings each season. This includes the four Grand Slams, eight Masters 1000 events, and four ATP 500 tournaments for the top 30. For WTA players, the requirement is similar: 18 tournaments yearly, with additional expectations for top-ranked players to participate in several WTA 1000 and WTA 500 events.

These schedules can lead to relentless travel, sometimes from one continent to another, with very little rest between matches. Many tournaments, like the Masters 1000 events, now stretch to nearly two weeks, adding even more time away from home. Alcaraz, for example, has played 61 matches across 16 tournaments this year alone, with his busiest period spanning the summer. During that time, he competed in three Grand Slams and the Olympics across three different surfaces in just under three months.

The Role of Exhibitions

Exhibitions have become an increasingly popular way for top players to connect with fans in different regions and earn significant paychecks. The potential for large earnings makes these events attractive, especially in regions like the Middle East, which offer top appearance fees. While some exhibitions are charity fundraisers, others are simply big-payday events, which is why players often choose to participate.

However, there’s growing criticism about how these events impact an already-tight schedule. Andy Murray, for example, has called it “a little bit hypocritical” for players to complain about burnout while still flying around the world to participate in exhibitions. Murray’s take is that while the calendar is packed, players could choose to reduce their load by opting out of non-mandatory events if they’re concerned about exhaustion.

Top Players Speak Out

Several players have been vocal about the strain of the tennis calendar. Iga Swiatek, ranked world No. 2, has taken a break since the U.S. Open, saying she felt burned out. She explained that constant competition was taking a toll and has argued that the sport isn’t “going in the right direction.” Swiatek’s season has seen her play 61 matches across 15 tournaments, winning titles like the French Open, but even with her success, the tight schedule has pushed her to prioritize her health.

Britain’s Jack Draper echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the packed calendar could limit the longevity of younger players, who risk injury by overplaying. The mental toll is also significant. Caroline Garcia, for example, ended her season early, pointing to “constant panic and anxiety attacks” from the pressures of continuous competition.

What Are the Tours Doing About It?

The ATP and WTA Tours have acknowledged player complaints but generally stand by the current system. They point out recent tweaks designed to allow more rest between matches and give players some flexibility in crafting their schedules. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, for instance, has emphasized that while the tours have expanded some events to 12 days, they believe this structure benefits players by increasing financial opportunities and prize money. “Players ultimately have the autonomy to craft their own schedules,” Gaudenzi noted, highlighting that tennis players are independent contractors who can make decisions based on their priorities.

The WTA has similarly defended its recent adjustments, with Chairman Steve Simon pointing out that the restructuring was done in consultation with players. While the changes mean more tournament appearances for some, Simon explains that this structure doesn’t force players to compete in more events than they already average. He also noted that the WTA plans to boost player compensation significantly over the next decade, further incentivizing participation. However, the strain of constant play and global travel continues to challenge players’ physical and mental health.

What’s next?

The growing tension surrounding tennis’s packed schedule and the rising popularity of exhibitions raise a critical question: is the sport pushing its top stars too hard? Fans and analysts are divided. Some feel that high-quality matches can only happen if players are in peak condition and properly rested. Others argue that frequent tournaments are necessary to maintain tennis’s global popularity and ensure fans see their favorite players compete consistently.

As players like Alcaraz, Swiatek, and Draper speak out, pressure on the ATP and WTA to rethink the current structure may continue to mount. With player representation and associations pushing for more say in scheduling, the tennis world might be on the brink of change. For now, the packed calendar endures, with exhibitions adding both allure and strain.