Stefanos Tsitsipas has insisted a tennis revolution is around the corner and has told the sport’s chiefs to rethink the calendar to reduce the demands on players.
The Greek star has played in 20 tournaments this year, with top players required to compete in at least 18 across the season.
Tsitsipas was part of the Team Europe squad that got the better of Team World at the Laver Cup last weekend.
But he was dumped out of the US Open in the first round earlier this month and was only able to reach the second round of Wimbledon in the summer.
And the two-time Grand Slam finalist made his thoughts clear on the state of tennis in a 747-word post on X (previously known as Twitter) that included seven sub-headings – though he later deleted his comments.
He began: “Tennis has always been a sport with deep roots, but those of us who play it know the demands of the year-round schedule.
“It’s a topic that’s been discussed before, yet the need for change is more urgent now than ever. Endless flights across continents, the constant pressure to perform; it’s pushing even the best players to their limits.”
He then explained: “The ATP and WTA calendars don’t give us a break. We’re constantly moving from one tournament to the next, trying to stay fit and focused.
“Injuries? They come with the territory. We’ve seen greats like Rafa [Nadal] and [Andy] Murray speak out about the toll it takes on them, not just physically but mentally.
“And then there’s the pressure… just look at how Naomi Osaka opened up about her struggles with anxiety in the spotlight. Despite the outcry, not much has changed.”
He continued: “What if we moved from quantity to quality? Imagine fewer tournaments, but each one carrying more importance. A rotating system for the smaller tournaments could be a solution.
“Shortening the season could also make a big difference. It’s not just about avoiding injuries; it’s about keeping players in the game longer.
“Less wear and tear means more years of top-level tennis, stronger rivalries, and better matches. And let’s face it, the fans want to see the top players competing at their peak.
“With leaders like Novak Djokovic stepping in, the push for a more player-friendly schedule is gaining traction. We players know better than anyone what’s needed, and now we’re in a unique position to negotiate these changes.”
Tsitsipas then insisted that tennis needs to be shaped for the future as he name-dropped the likes of Roger Federer and Serena Williams.
He penned: “This isn’t just a small change to the calendar; it’s a shift in how we play the game. If we don’t adapt, we risk losing our stars to early retirements and constant injuries.
“Just think how different tennis might look if players like Rafa, Roger, or Serena had been able to play at their best for a few more years. This isn’t just about preserving careers; it’s about preserving the essence of the sport itself.”
And he added: “We’re on the edge of a tennis revolution, one driven by the players. It’s no longer about just surviving the tour; it’s about thriving in it.
“Change isn’t easy, but if we do this right, tennis could enter a new era of greatness. It’s about taking the game we love and making it better, for players, fans, and the future of the sport.”
