Tim Henman, the former British No. 1, has urged reforms to the tennis calendar, describing the 12-day Masters 1000 format as “too much tennis.”
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has confirmed he will not recover from a knee injury in time for the China Open next week, marking his absence from competition since Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz was sidelined at the French Open and Wimbledon due to a wrist injury, while Britain’s Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper are among several players enduring extended absences in 2026.
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Alcaraz spoke about the intensity of the schedule and how important it is to have a break to prevent injury
Eight of the nine Masters 1000 events are mandatory for elite players, supplemented by four ATP 500 tournaments, while the expansion of most Masters competitions to 12 days remains a point of friction on tour.
Former world No. 4 Henman, who claimed the Masters 1000 crown at the 2003 Paris Masters, supports adjustments to the current structure.
“It’s well documented that the 12-day Masters 1000s represent too much tennis,” Henman stated. “That’s excessive time on the road, and unfortunately we’re seeing the injury toll. I would shorten them to eight or nine days to free up the calendar. That’s more of a product change. As for a practical rule adjustment, I’d eliminate the let serve — every other shot can hit the top of the net and still go in, so I’d play it as it comes.”
ATP Must Adapt to Keep Players Competing at Key Events
Alcaraz inspired Team Europe to victory over Team World in the Laver Cup at the weekend
Alcaraz’s US Open quarter-final run marked his return to competition since the Barcelona Open in April following a wrist injury.
Speaking in New York, the Spaniard remarked: “Honestly, my break was longer than expected.”
“With the packed schedule, I obviously didn’t want to stop due to injury. Going forward, though, I’ll take longer breaks — perhaps one or two months, skipping certain tournaments, because it’s impossible to play them all.”
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Highlights from the US Open mixed doubles with Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz taking centre stage
Italy’s Flavio Cobolli is reconsidering his tournament schedule.
“Looking at the number of tournaments and matches annually, it’s not excessive,” he said. “We’re accustomed to the volume. What we’re unused to is the prolonged stay at each event.”
“The format has shifted, and perhaps we still need time to adjust. I’ve been away from home for nearly six weeks, and even traveling here, I’d have played fewer than 10 matches.”
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Martina Navratilova answers questions at the US Open about American success, British woes at Grand Slams, and why tennis is harder than football!!!
Murray: I Understand the Players’ Perspective
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Naomi Broady, Ryan Harrison and Jamie Murray discuss Alcaraz’s future schedule
Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, Jamie Murray said: “I completely understand the players’ viewpoint. The tour is longer than ever in terms of commitment and time away from home.”
“The younger generation has seen how Federer and Nadal extended their careers. If they aim to compete until 34, 35, or 36, they’ll likely need to skip events — something the tour must consider.”
“The tour serves over a hundred players who want to compete.”
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