Jack Draper has called on the ATP Tour to adapt its calendar because players are pushing their bodies to "do things they aren't supposed to in elite sport". Taylor Fritz also agreed with the British No.1 soon after beating Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam because the 24-time major champion had to retire.
Draper was due to play in the exhibition tournament, but he ended his season early after the US Open due to an arm injury. The comments also came hours after Holger Rune sustained an injury in his Nordic Open semi-final, which his mother, Aneke, has told Danish newspaper BT that medical staff "are completely sure that it is a torn Achilles tendon."
A post on X from Draper read: "Injuries are going to happen... we are pushing our bodies to do things they aren't supposed to in elite sport.
"We have so many incredible younger guys on the tour right now, and I'm proud to be a part of that; however, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are gonna achieve some sort of longevity..."
Fritz replied an hour later: "Facts, also seeing more injuries and burnout now than ever before because balls, courts, and conditions have slowed down a lot, making the weekly grind even more physically demanding and tough on the body."
The American also defended his stance on the social media platform, particularly after playing in an exhibition. "I've been saying the same thing my entire time on tour," Fritz said.
"I think it's fair to say I grinded to make a career for myself, I didn't magically get here. My opinion stays the same from when I was 20.
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"I understand the argument of playing Exos (exhibitions). But in most cases, barring the Laver Cup and the Six Kings Slam, it's a 1/2 day event where it's enjoyable just to play in a way that's not physical and for entertainment with minimal physical stress and zero mental stress."
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