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- Sep 7, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Jannik Sinner (ITA) speaks after losing to Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) (not pictured) in the final of mens singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Jannik Sinner’s 'Take a Break' Attitude is a Slap in the Face to Tennis Scheduling

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 7:03 AM ET

Another tournament, another trophy for Jannik Sinner. The Italian powerhouse just steamrolled his way through the China Open, barely breaking a sweat as he dismantled American teenager Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2. It was a masterclass, sure, but it also felt a bit like watching a lion play with its food. With this win, Sinner joins the elite company of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as a multiple-time champion in Beijing. Hooray.

But let’s be real, the celebration for his 21st career title will be about as long as a bathroom break. The tennis world doesn’t stop, and Sinner is already expected in Shanghai for the next Masters event. This frantic, non-stop schedule is the festering wound of professional tennis, and it’s once again been ripped wide open.

Sinner Weighs In On The Never-Ending Grind

Fresh off his victory, Sinner was immediately tossed into the hot seat to discuss the grueling tour schedule. It’s a debate that’s been raging for years, with players dropping like flies from exhaustion and injuries. Carlos Alcaraz, another young phenom, just pulled out of Shanghai citing “physical issues” mere hours after winning the Japan Open. Iga Swiatek is also threatening to start skipping events to protect her health. You have to wonder, when will the organizers get the memo?

Sinner, in his typically cool and collected way, offered a dose of what sounds like common sense but is actually a pretty scathing critique of the system. “At some point, I feel like you have to jump (skip) some tournaments,” he said. “But everyone thinks in different ways.”

He’s not wrong. For a player like Alcaraz, who seemingly makes the final of every tournament he enters, the calendar is a physical nightmare. These aren’t one-week jaunts anymore; Masters events have bloated into two-week marathons. Sinner acknowledged this, adding, “I skipped a couple of tournaments last year because I think it was the right choice for my body and mind. You sometimes have to jump some tournaments.”

“Mandatory” Events? Sinner Says Not So Much

Here’s where it gets interesting. Sinner casually dropped a truth bomb on the whole concept of “mandatory” events. “You can always choose. That’s why I say, yes, they’re mandatory, but at the end of the day, you can still choose.” It’s a subtle but powerful jab. The ATP can label these tournaments as mandatory all they want, but a player’s health and career longevity are ultimately in their own hands. Sinner made it clear he will always choose what’s best for him, and frankly, every other player should too.

Of course, it’s not that simple, especially for a younger player. Sinner himself admits it’s tough when you’re 23 or 24 to fully understand your body’s limits. That’s why having a solid team, like his coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill, is so crucial. They’re the ones who can provide the guidance to make those tough calls.

Sinner’s Forced Break and Unlikely Comeback

Speaking of breaks, Sinner had an unexpected one earlier this season. He was sidelined for three months due to an anti-doping violation, which was ultimately blamed on contamination. It was a dark cloud, and Sinner admitted it was a tough pill to swallow. “Three months… One thing is if you’re injured, you accept it better,” he reflected. “This year was a little bit different. It was not easy.”

But in true Sinner fashion, he turned a negative into a positive. He didn’t just sit around moping; he used that time to grind. “I used this time to work on things. We’ve been practicing very hard. I feel like physically I’m getting slightly better every time.” Looking at his performance since his return, it’s hard to argue with that. He looks stronger, sharper, and more determined than ever. Maybe an enforced break isn’t the worst thing in the world, though I doubt the ATP will start prescribing them.

As Sinner heads to Shanghai to face Daniel Altmaier, the debate rages on. The current tour schedule is unsustainable, burning out its brightest stars before they can even reach their peak. While the powers-that-be seem content to plug their ears and count their money, players like Sinner, Alcaraz, and Swiatek are starting to vote with their feet. And if enough top players start saying “no,” maybe, just maybe, something will finally change.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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