The 2025 professional tennis year kicked off right after 2024 ended, leaving players with minimal downtime during the offseason. In fact, tennis season began in 2024 itself. Despite longing for a longer break, players like Coco Gauff, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, accepted the reality. As the Australian Open approaches in Melbourne, players have been preparing through practice, gym work, and various events, with some feeling that there is no longer a true offseason. The non-stop nature of the tennis season is a concern echoed by players like Denis Shapovalov and former champion Conchita Martinez. The issue of player health has long been a topic of discussion, with calls for a shorter season to allow for adequate rest. Despite efforts to find balance between rest, training, and improvement in the brief break between seasons, the demands of the sport continue to challenge players’ physical well-being, as seen with recent injury concerns. The time off between seasons is viewed as a mix of relaxation, training, and preparation for the upcoming challenges, with players like Carlos Alcaraz emphasizing the importance of disconnecting before gearing up for the new season.
Gael Monfils took a detour to the Garden in early December before making his way to his new residence in Orlando, Florida, in preparation for the upcoming tennis season. Unlike some of his counterparts, Monfils chose to skip the opening week of 2025 competition, opting instead to participate in an event in Auckland before heading to Melbourne.
Explaining his strategy, Monfils described his mindset as being focused on ensuring he is adequately prepared for the challenges ahead. He emphasized the importance of being “match tough” and acknowledged that taking time off can impact a player’s readiness for competitive play. Despite some fans questioning the decision to engage in exhibitions, players argue that these events do not exact the same physical toll as consecutive tournament matches or Grand Slam events.
The allure of earning extra income through exhibition matches is also a motivating factor for players like Monfils. Additionally, players point out that the limited opportunities for rest and recovery throughout the year necessitate careful planning and strategic participation in events. Australian player Alexei Popyrin highlighted the demanding nature of the tennis calendar, noting the challenges of balancing physical recuperation with consistent training to maintain peak performance.
Concerns about the tight turnaround between seasons and the lack of sufficient recovery time are echoed by players who emphasize the need for adequate rest to prevent burnout and injuries. Despite the potential impact on preparation, players recognize the importance of prioritizing their physical well-being to ensure they are in optimal condition for competition. The rigorous nature of the tennis schedule underscores the need for players to carefully manage their training, recovery, and match participation to sustain their performance levels throughout the year.
___AP Sports Writer Brian Mahoney in New York contributed to this report.___ Howard Fendrich has served as the AP’s tennis writer since 2002. Read more of his work here: https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich. For additional AP tennis coverage, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
