Australian tennis star Alex De Minaur has called for a revised tennis calendar after withdrawing from the French Open due to fatigue. The 26-year-old player warned that without significant changes, the rigorous schedule could lead to severe physical and mental burnout among athletes. De Minaur’s comments come amid growing concerns within the sports community about the sustainability of the current season length.
De Minaur, who is currently ranked 16th in the world, has been a vocal critic of the grueling tennis schedule that leaves players with little time for recovery between tournaments. His withdrawal from the French Open, where he was a favorite to make a deep run, has raised questions about the impact of the long season on player performance and longevity. The Australian Open in January, followed by the Australian Open, then the French Open in May, Wimbledon in July, and the US Open in August, leaves little room for rest, according to the player.
The tennis world has seen several high-profile retirements in recent years, with players citing burnout as a major factor. De Minaur joins a growing list of athletes who are calling for reforms to the calendar, including US tennis player Andy Murray and former French Open champion Rafael Nadal. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has been urged to consider shorter seasons and more rest periods to protect the long-term health of players. De Mina, who has been working with coaches and medical experts to recover from his recent fatigue, hopes his comments will lead to meaningful changes in the sport.