Tennis is notorious for having perhaps the most demanding schedule in professional sports. Technically, the season never really ends. The ridiculously grueling season comes in addition to the natural physical strain of the sport itself. This is causing more and more injuries, and ultimately reducing the longevity of tennis players' careers.
One factor compounding the problem of the punishing schedule is the fact that tennis players are not united in their stance. Naturally, top players will only want to play prestigious tournaments and not risk their physical well being in lesser events. However, the lesser players want as many opportunities as possible to advance in the rankings and improve their games. With no strong union to unite and protect tennis players, the grumblings of many top players has little or no effect.
If players are constantly being injured because of overplay, what is the point of such a taxing schedule? Tennis players don't last very long as it is, it seems ridiculous to doom them to even shorter careers by making them play a nearly year round circuit. All other major sports have a reasonably large off season, allowing athletes to recover. The young athletes crucial to the success of tennis in the future are already showing disturbing signs of wear. Stars Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro frequently are forced to withdraw from smaller tournaments because of constant nagging injuries. Remember, neither have reached age 25.
While most sports strive to protect their athletes, Tennis does not seem to get the concept. With a fresh crop of rising stars, the need to reassess the schedule is of dire importance. Here's hoping the pro tennis schedule will be readjusted to take into account the demands the sport places on its athletes. At least make some tournaments optional so that those who choose not to participate do not receive fines or ranking punishments as they do currently. For this to happen however, Tennis player need to unite under one banner and fight for the longevity of their careers. The game will be better for it.
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I agree that tennis should adapt to some kind of offseason, not only for the players' sake but the fans as well
ReplyDeleteI really did not know that tennis players had such a grueling schedule. They do deserve an offseason. They are not machines.
ReplyDeleteSerena got fined
ReplyDeleteSammy