The tennis world is abuzz with a heartfelt revelation from Ons Jabeur, who has bravely shared her battle with depression, shedding light on the demanding nature of the sport's schedule.
"The schedule is a killer," Jabeur told Sky Sports, expressing her concerns about the intense calendar and its impact on players' well-being. She called for a reevaluation of the Masters 1000 tournaments, suggesting a reduction in their duration to ease the strain on athletes.
Jabeur's announcement came after she took an indefinite break from the game in July, citing the need to prioritize her mental and physical health. Known as "The Minister of Happiness," the Tunisian star revealed that she had been struggling for two years, feeling the weight of the grueling schedule on both her body and mind.
"I suffered a lot, mentally more than physically," she confessed. "My body was crying out for help, and I ignored it. I think I had depression, and yet people called me the Minister of Happiness. I was sad for a long time, and now I'm putting myself first."
But here's where it gets controversial: the expansion of ATP Masters 1000 events, with six combined with the WTA, has drawn criticism. Many players, including Jabeur, are dissatisfied with the increased duration and the back-to-back tournaments.
"It's like a pile-up of tournaments," she explained. "Doha, Dubai—my favorites—but two 1000 tournaments in a row? It's excessive. And they want to add more! The two-week, 1000-level tournaments are a bad idea. No one likes it, not the players, not the media."
Jabeur's foundation and new academy in Dubai highlight her commitment to tennis and her desire to create a healthier environment for players. She hasn't set a timeline for her return, recognizing the need for change in the 11-month season.
"I'll come back when I'm ready, when I'm happy again," she said. "It's time to speak up and make a change. We're seen as robots, not humans. Just play, play, play. But we're not machines."
This issue has sparked a wider conversation about the tennis calendar and player welfare. British No. 1 Jack Draper has also called for calendar adaptation to reduce injuries. With elite players like Emma Raducanu, Holger Rune, and others recovering from injuries, the debate rages on.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of slow balls, courts, and conditions. As Taylor Fritz pointed out, these factors make the weekly grind even more physically demanding, leading to more injuries and burnout.
So, what's the solution? How can tennis adapt its calendar to prioritize player health and longevity? Share your thoughts in the comments! Let's spark a discussion and find ways to improve the sport we love.
