Nick Kyrgios has returned to the professional tennis circuit after 18 months away, but he is adamant his approach will be starkly different from many of his peers. Following his comeback from a serious wrist injury, Kyrgios has made his opinions clear about the demanding ATP schedule, deeming it "absurd" and criticizing players for what he sees as excessive travel and inadequate off-season breaks.
The Australian player, known for his candid and often controversial opinions, announced he would only take part in mandatory tournaments moving forward. Kyrgios faced Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, ranked No.31, at the Brisbane International, suffering a narrow defeat (7-6, 6-7, 7-6) which only underscored his sentiments about the grueling nature of competitive tennis. “I’m not playing for ranking points,” Kyrgios stated, reflecting on his nonchalant attitude toward the points system. “I’ve never played for ranking points – I made a Wimbledon final unseeded.”
His comments align with the sentiments of several other top players who have grown increasingly vocal about the demands of the tour. The final tournament for the 2024 season ended on December 22, just five days before the start of the 2025 season with the United Cup. This rapid turnover effectively puts players on the circuit for nearly ten months straight, traveling worldwide for various competitions. Kyrgios lamented, “The tour is ridiculous, comparatively to any other sport it’s absurd really the amount of travel we do.”
Fellow Australian Jordan Thompson echoed Kyrgios’ frustrations, asserting there are significant problems within the sport, particularly concerning its scheduling. After his victory against Matteo Berrettini at the same tournament, Thompson described the off-season duration and the compulsions of the ATP calendar as “a joke.”
"Our off season is practically non-existent. We are starting the 2025 season in 2024—it’s ridiculous,” Thompson remarked, highlighting the peculiar case of Australian players who often travel extensively without seeing their families for months. “We leave after the Australian Open and we don’t come back until the Davis Cup is finished.”
Concerns about the tour's demands don't just isolate Kyrgios and Thompson. Prominent players like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek have also shared similar frustrations, pointing out the numerous mandatory tournaments on the ATP calendar. The burden of frequent travel and the lack of downtime leads many to question the sustainability of the current schedule. Thompson underscored this point, explaining the unexpected consequences of unclear Australian Open seedings, which are determined just days before the event commences. This unpredictability adds another layer of stress for players eager to prepare effectively.
Adding to Kyrgios's critique, he mentioned the mental toll on players, noting something he has observed with rivals like Daniil Medvedev. Individuals at the top of their game may start to show signs of strain as the season draws to a close. “You look at guys like [Daniil] Medvedev... they’re starting to lose their mind, and he’s super disciplined,” Kyrgios commented, raising awareness of the psychological ramifications tied to such demanding schedules.
The ATP currently mandates players to participate actively to improve their rankings and gain favorable seedings at grand slams, often at the expense of their physical and mental well-being. Kyrgios made it clear where he stands, emphasizing his desire to prioritize health over points, affirming, “For me, I haven’t been thinking about [ranking points] at all – it’s more about getting healthy, getting back playing and enjoying the competition.”
Kyrgios's readiness to speak out against the ATP schedule may resonate with many players who feel similar pressures but remain silent. The prospect of reforming the ATP structure seems increasingly necessary as concerns mount around player health and well-being.
The demands of professional tennis are not what they used to be, and as more voices add to the chorus calling for change, the ATP's longstanding traditions could very well be at risk.