19 October, 2025
jack-draper-calls-for-changes-to-tennis-calendar-to-prevent-injuries

Jack Draper, a rising star in the tennis world, has emphasized the need for changes to the sport’s annual calendar to address the increasing number of injuries among professional players. The 23-year-old Briton shared his concerns following his own recovery from injury, alongside fellow athletes such as Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic, and Holger Rune.

“Injuries are going to happen,” Draper stated on social media. “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.”

Concerns Over Player Welfare

The issue of player injuries has been highlighted by several high-profile cases. Recently, Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, was forced to retire during his third-place playoff match against Taylor Fritz at the Six Kings Slam exhibition. At 38 years old, Djokovic is nearing the end of his illustrious career, yet younger players are also facing serious health challenges. For instance, Holger Rune, just 22, withdrew from the Nordic Open due to a significant Achilles tendon injury.

British No. 1 Emma Raducanu concluded her season early due to ongoing physical struggles, which followed her withdrawal from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo and the Hong Kong Open set to begin on October 27. This trend of injuries and early retirements is not limited to these players; prominent names such as Naomi Osaka, Daria Kasatkina, Elina Svitolina, and Paula Badosa have all faced similar fitness concerns in recent months.

Calls for Adaptation in the Sport

Taylor Fritz, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, echoed Draper’s sentiments, noting the alarming rise in injuries and burnout among players. “Facts, also seeing more injuries and burnout now than ever before,” he remarked. “Because balls, courts, conditions have slowed down a lot, making the weekly grind even more physically demanding and tough on the body.”

The ongoing discussions surrounding player welfare in tennis are vital, as the sport continues to attract a younger generation of talent. With increasing physical demands and a packed schedule, the call for a reassessment of the annual calendar may be crucial in ensuring the longevity of athletes’ careers and the overall health of the sport.