Tennis is a grueling sport, and the long season takes its toll on the players. Many have to retire due to injuries, while others take a break to give their bodies a chance to recover. Top players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and others have spoken about it openly too. However, their recent decision has attracted a lot of criticism.
The tennis stars have signed up to play an exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia later this year. Besides Djokovic and Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur have also signed up for the tournament. The Riyadh Tennis Season Cup has been scheduled between December 26th and 27th.
This exhibition tournament will be played just weeks before the start of the tennis season. The Australian Open will kick off the year, and Djokovic will play as the defending champion in 2024.
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Ons Jabeur, & Aryna Sabalenka will play in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season Cup Exhibition.
It will take place from December 26 – 27. pic.twitter.com/tmhuV0JNWl
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 19, 2023
Saudi Arabia has come under fire recently for ‘sports washing’ with Prince Mohammed bin Salman admitting to it as well. Besides, the players have also complained about the long playing season in the past.
Fans were quick to point out the hypocrisy of the players. Many fans think the prospect of money has lured the players to Riyadh. One fan even commented, “Tennis suicide is symbolized” by their actions. Here are a few more reactions to the news.
Tell me you’re money hungry without telling me you’re money hungry?
— A.H.M. (@teamjohntee) October 19, 2023
But the tennis season is too long they all say. I wonder why they’re playing this event? 💵💸💰
— Lee McEvoy (@leemcevoy1972) October 19, 2023
“Tennis suicide” is symbolised by the hypocrisy of players who complain all year that the schedule is too hard for the players and that ATP/WTA have to find solutions. Then Saudis make a phone call… https://t.co/j1EHsEklBS
— Kamil Patel (@kamiltpatel) October 19, 2023
Tennis fans are justified in their anger, as it directly contradicts the players’ own statements. So it is natural for fans to be disappointed with their favorites.
What did Novak Djokovic and others say about the long season?
Carlos Alcaraz has had a long season. He created history with his Wimbledon victory, but his year has also been fraught with injuries. He recently withdrew from the Davis Cup, stating that he had to listen to his body. Alcaraz also shared a rather troubling update, throwing a question mark over his participation in the ATP Finals.
Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, spoke about the 12-day Masters 1000 format. He said he was not a fan of that decision personally because it would run for a long time. “I’m personally overall not a fan of that because I feel like we already have four Grand Slams a year that take two plus one week. Eventually, if you go all the way with training,” he said (via Express UK).
Unfortunately, after an amazing fight, @Ons_Jabeur is forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. 😔
Get well soon, Ons! We absolutely loved having you around! 🫶🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/q9zrjSVUZt
— Zhengzhou Open (@ZhengzhouOpen) October 12, 2023
Ons Jabeur was forced to retire from the Zhengzhou Open recently due to a knee injury. Her withdrawal cast doubts over her participation in the WTA Finals this year. Hence her decision to play in Riyadh, when there is a chance she might miss the year-end tournament, has raised eyebrows.
Aryna Sabalenka has also found success this year. She won her maiden Grand Slam and followed it up with consistent performances throughout the year. However, she has also sat out of various tournaments to deal with the fallout of the long season. All these instances have rightfully angered tennis fans.