Players are being worn down by a cluttered calendar and lack of unity over their welfare from governing bodies
E
lina Svitolina simply could not go on. Her hopeful start to the 2025 season had given way to despair as the mental and emotional strain of constant competition, travelling and stress left its mark. The 31-year-old understood that competing would only make things worse and, in September, Svitolina decided to prematurely end her season, citing burnout.
The world No 14 is not alone in feeling suffocated by her sport. This has been another year filled with incredible performances and gripping matches, but the past 11 months have also been defined by the physical and mental ailments endured by many of the sport’s stars.
Jack Draper, Zheng Qinwen, Holger Rune and Arthur Fils have been forced off the court owing to significant long-term injuries. Others, such as Ons Jabeur (who has subsequently announced she is pregnant), Daria Kasatkina and Svitolina, felt they had no choice but to step away because of their mental struggles. Being a prominent tennis player comes with significant privilege and wealth, but their challenges are undeniable.
