'Evidence is clear': Players association says brutal schedule behind injuries
As the Canadian Open gets underway with several big names sidelined, it is evidence that the current tennis schedule is unsustainable, according to the PTPA.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has cited a series of player withdrawals from the Canadian Open as proof that the tennis season is excessively lengthy and is detrimental to players' health. Notable absences include world number one Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Victoria McComb, Karolina Muchova, and Emma Raducanu.
Tournament officials acknowledge that late withdrawals from Masters 1000 events have become a broader concern within the sport. The PTPA argues that the extended calendar and increased top-level tournaments are contributing to a rise in injuries, particularly among the upper body, which has risen by 42% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
The association asserts that the increased frequency of tournaments has reduced players' recovery time, leading to more serious injuries occurring earlier in the season. The PTPA urges the sport to reevaluate its calendar, emphasizing the importance of player health and safety, and suggesting that players should have a significant say in the scheduling process.
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