With approximately one month left in the 11-month tennis season, there is a lot of discussion about the length and breadth of the schedule. The latest to weigh in on the hot button issue are Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.
Sinner took a diplomatic position saying that players can pick and choose the tournaments they play in throughout the year. “I don’t want to criticize anything. For me, everyone thinks in different ways. We can still choose, as players, you just have to understand what the priority is.”
Novak Djokovic spoke with the wealth of experience and time playing at a high level on the ATP Tour. He also sounded like a future commissioner of professional tennis, if there was ever one selected. He talked about players not being consistent in lending their voices, the detriment of the 10-day Masters 1000 tournaments, and the complexity of the issue. Djokovic also made an interesting and valid point about the exhibitions that players participate in during the “off-season.”
Djokovic’s full answer regarding the tennis schedule. Really worth a listen. pic.twitter.com/aGs0RhQ4Sd
— Corvath Draemir (@Archaicmind3000) October 2, 2025
What Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, and Qinwen Zheng Said
Iga Swiatek was asked a question about it earlier this week which got the debate started.
Swiatek has said more than once that the schedule is too much, and as she gets older, she may have to reevaluate how often she plays and could end up choosing to skip mandatory tournaments to preserve her body or to hone in on preparations for Grand Slams.
Carlos Alcaraz echoed Swiatek’s sentiment. Alcaraz is currently dealing with an injured ankle he suffered in the early rounds of the Japan Open.
Qinwen Zheng disputed Swiatek and Alcaraz by saying the schedule was not too much and basically thought it was what was expected and necessary for a professional athlete. Zheng played her home tournament, the China Open; it was her first tournament since undergoing elbow surgery after Wimbledon. She had to retire from her match and has since withdrawn from the upcoming Wuhan Open because of her elbow.
