'It's just a joke': Ailing Tommo slams tennis schedule
Injury-plagued Jordan Thompson has unleashed a diatribe at the organisers of men's tennis, slamming the brutal, non-stop ATP schedule.
The 31-year-old 'Tommo', one of the tour's great warriors who battled to his first singles title last year, said the current calendar was "shit" and "just a joke" as he fights to hold his season together.
The Sydneysider vented his irritation and frustration after being knocked out of the tournament by Jiri Lehecka in the French Open after a season in which he's already been laid low with three injury setbacks.
He feels the constant tour grind is detrimental to players' health and believes Australians are particularly at risk over a "ridiculous" short off-season before a tournament-packed home summer.
"It's been brutal. I've only played six or seven tournaments this year, started off rupturing a plantar fascia, and then tore an oblique, a groin strain, so just haven't been able to be continually on the court, which is really frustrating to play stop-start tennis and we're not even halfway through the season."
Asked if he could afford to take a couple of weeks break to recuperate, Thompson said: "Unfortunately, with the ATP schedule and how shit it is, we can't afford to take breaks, because you let other people just have an opportunity to pass you on the rankings and get more prize money.
"And you just feel like you're missing out on an opportunity. I can't stand the current schedule. I hate the two-week (Masters 1000) events, and it's even tougher for Aussies.
"Because after every Aussie Open, except this year's, I've left at the end of January, start of February, and I've come back home probably the start of December, because I've got to wait until Davis Cup.
"I know there are opportunities to go home throughout the year, but it is so far to get back to Australia, I don't see the benefit of going there for less than 10 days, because by the time you acclimatise there - an island in the middle of nowhere in a completely different time zone - you've just got to come back and compete again.
"I just don't see how that's beneficial for any tennis player. I just want to stay healthy. You have off-weeks here and there, and they are really key for an Aussie."
Asked if an answer might be to employ other sports' mid-season breaks, he added: "Soccer's got the benefit of an off-season. Our off-season is a pitiful three weeks. That's rubbish.
"I've got some worse words for our off-season. I mean, it's just a joke. For any Australian, it's great that we play in Australia, but if you play Davis Cup (in November), you literally can take maybe seven days off, and that's your off-season, because then you're back into training and you're leaving before Christmas.
"Like our 2025 season started in 2024. I mean, it's just ridiculous. Where's the tennis players' break? I just feel like there is no time to rest or have a holiday."
The ATP have begun to stretch the big Masters events over two weeks at the same venue, as opposed to one week in the past.
"I haven't spoken to a player that likes the two-week events. You are there in one place for an eternity, it feels like," said Thompson.
"A couple of times, I've made the doubles final and I've been in the same city for over 17 days, and we're at one tournament. Like, why is one tournament taking that long to finish?
"I mean, it's just a waste of time in my opinion."
Injury-plagued Jordan Thompson has unleashed a diatribe at the organisers of men's tennis, slamming the brutal, non-stop ATP schedule.
The 31-year-old 'Tommo', one of the tour's great warriors who battled to his first singles title last year, said the current calendar was "shit" and "just a joke" as he fights to hold his season together.
The Sydneysider vented his irritation and frustration after being knocked out of the tournament by Jiri Lehecka in the French Open after a season in which he's already been laid low with three injury setbacks.
He feels the constant tour grind is detrimental to players' health and believes Australians are particularly at risk over a "ridiculous" short off-season before a tournament-packed home summer.
"It's been brutal. I've only played six or seven tournaments this year, started off rupturing a plantar fascia, and then tore an oblique, a groin strain, so just haven't been able to be continually on the court, which is really frustrating to play stop-start tennis and we're not even halfway through the season."
Asked if he could afford to take a couple of weeks break to recuperate, Thompson said: "Unfortunately, with the ATP schedule and how shit it is, we can't afford to take breaks, because you let other people just have an opportunity to pass you on the rankings and get more prize money.
"And you just feel like you're missing out on an opportunity. I can't stand the current schedule. I hate the two-week (Masters 1000) events, and it's even tougher for Aussies.
"Because after every Aussie Open, except this year's, I've left at the end of January, start of February, and I've come back home probably the start of December, because I've got to wait until Davis Cup.
"I know there are opportunities to go home throughout the year, but it is so far to get back to Australia, I don't see the benefit of going there for less than 10 days, because by the time you acclimatise there - an island in the middle of nowhere in a completely different time zone - you've just got to come back and compete again.
"I just don't see how that's beneficial for any tennis player. I just want to stay healthy. You have off-weeks here and there, and they are really key for an Aussie."
Asked if an answer might be to employ other sports' mid-season breaks, he added: "Soccer's got the benefit of an off-season. Our off-season is a pitiful three weeks. That's rubbish.
"I've got some worse words for our off-season. I mean, it's just a joke. For any Australian, it's great that we play in Australia, but if you play Davis Cup (in November), you literally can take maybe seven days off, and that's your off-season, because then you're back into training and you're leaving before Christmas.
"Like our 2025 season started in 2024. I mean, it's just ridiculous. Where's the tennis players' break? I just feel like there is no time to rest or have a holiday."
The ATP have begun to stretch the big Masters events over two weeks at the same venue, as opposed to one week in the past.
"I haven't spoken to a player that likes the two-week events. You are there in one place for an eternity, it feels like," said Thompson.
"A couple of times, I've made the doubles final and I've been in the same city for over 17 days, and we're at one tournament. Like, why is one tournament taking that long to finish?
"I mean, it's just a waste of time in my opinion."
Injury-plagued Jordan Thompson has unleashed a diatribe at the organisers of men's tennis, slamming the brutal, non-stop ATP schedule.
The 31-year-old 'Tommo', one of the tour's great warriors who battled to his first singles title last year, said the current calendar was "shit" and "just a joke" as he fights to hold his season together.
The Sydneysider vented his irritation and frustration after being knocked out of the tournament by Jiri Lehecka in the French Open after a season in which he's already been laid low with three injury setbacks.
He feels the constant tour grind is detrimental to players' health and believes Australians are particularly at risk over a "ridiculous" short off-season before a tournament-packed home summer.
"It's been brutal. I've only played six or seven tournaments this year, started off rupturing a plantar fascia, and then tore an oblique, a groin strain, so just haven't been able to be continually on the court, which is really frustrating to play stop-start tennis and we're not even halfway through the season."
Asked if he could afford to take a couple of weeks break to recuperate, Thompson said: "Unfortunately, with the ATP schedule and how shit it is, we can't afford to take breaks, because you let other people just have an opportunity to pass you on the rankings and get more prize money.
"And you just feel like you're missing out on an opportunity. I can't stand the current schedule. I hate the two-week (Masters 1000) events, and it's even tougher for Aussies.
"Because after every Aussie Open, except this year's, I've left at the end of January, start of February, and I've come back home probably the start of December, because I've got to wait until Davis Cup.
"I know there are opportunities to go home throughout the year, but it is so far to get back to Australia, I don't see the benefit of going there for less than 10 days, because by the time you acclimatise there - an island in the middle of nowhere in a completely different time zone - you've just got to come back and compete again.
"I just don't see how that's beneficial for any tennis player. I just want to stay healthy. You have off-weeks here and there, and they are really key for an Aussie."
Asked if an answer might be to employ other sports' mid-season breaks, he added: "Soccer's got the benefit of an off-season. Our off-season is a pitiful three weeks. That's rubbish.
"I've got some worse words for our off-season. I mean, it's just a joke. For any Australian, it's great that we play in Australia, but if you play Davis Cup (in November), you literally can take maybe seven days off, and that's your off-season, because then you're back into training and you're leaving before Christmas.
"Like our 2025 season started in 2024. I mean, it's just ridiculous. Where's the tennis players' break? I just feel like there is no time to rest or have a holiday."
The ATP have begun to stretch the big Masters events over two weeks at the same venue, as opposed to one week in the past.
"I haven't spoken to a player that likes the two-week events. You are there in one place for an eternity, it feels like," said Thompson.
"A couple of times, I've made the doubles final and I've been in the same city for over 17 days, and we're at one tournament. Like, why is one tournament taking that long to finish?
"I mean, it's just a waste of time in my opinion."
Injury-plagued Jordan Thompson has unleashed a diatribe at the organisers of men's tennis, slamming the brutal, non-stop ATP schedule.
The 31-year-old 'Tommo', one of the tour's great warriors who battled to his first singles title last year, said the current calendar was "shit" and "just a joke" as he fights to hold his season together.
The Sydneysider vented his irritation and frustration after being knocked out of the tournament by Jiri Lehecka in the French Open after a season in which he's already been laid low with three injury setbacks.
He feels the constant tour grind is detrimental to players' health and believes Australians are particularly at risk over a "ridiculous" short off-season before a tournament-packed home summer.
"It's been brutal. I've only played six or seven tournaments this year, started off rupturing a plantar fascia, and then tore an oblique, a groin strain, so just haven't been able to be continually on the court, which is really frustrating to play stop-start tennis and we're not even halfway through the season."
Asked if he could afford to take a couple of weeks break to recuperate, Thompson said: "Unfortunately, with the ATP schedule and how shit it is, we can't afford to take breaks, because you let other people just have an opportunity to pass you on the rankings and get more prize money.
"And you just feel like you're missing out on an opportunity. I can't stand the current schedule. I hate the two-week (Masters 1000) events, and it's even tougher for Aussies.
"Because after every Aussie Open, except this year's, I've left at the end of January, start of February, and I've come back home probably the start of December, because I've got to wait until Davis Cup.
"I know there are opportunities to go home throughout the year, but it is so far to get back to Australia, I don't see the benefit of going there for less than 10 days, because by the time you acclimatise there - an island in the middle of nowhere in a completely different time zone - you've just got to come back and compete again.
"I just don't see how that's beneficial for any tennis player. I just want to stay healthy. You have off-weeks here and there, and they are really key for an Aussie."
Asked if an answer might be to employ other sports' mid-season breaks, he added: "Soccer's got the benefit of an off-season. Our off-season is a pitiful three weeks. That's rubbish.
"I've got some worse words for our off-season. I mean, it's just a joke. For any Australian, it's great that we play in Australia, but if you play Davis Cup (in November), you literally can take maybe seven days off, and that's your off-season, because then you're back into training and you're leaving before Christmas.
"Like our 2025 season started in 2024. I mean, it's just ridiculous. Where's the tennis players' break? I just feel like there is no time to rest or have a holiday."
The ATP have begun to stretch the big Masters events over two weeks at the same venue, as opposed to one week in the past.
"I haven't spoken to a player that likes the two-week events. You are there in one place for an eternity, it feels like," said Thompson.
"A couple of times, I've made the doubles final and I've been in the same city for over 17 days, and we're at one tournament. Like, why is one tournament taking that long to finish?
"I mean, it's just a waste of time in my opinion."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
12 hours ago
- West Australian
MITCHELL JOHNSON: Kayden Minear going full throttle in AMA Supercross 250cc series
In Australia, Supercross isn't something that gets a lot of attention. The name Chad Reed comes to mind, as he made a name for himself racing against the best in America. More recently, the Lawrence brothers, Jett and Hunter, have been making waves. Jett currently leads the AMA Supercross series in the 450cc division and Hunter sits third. Those who don't follow the sport closely might not realise just how big it is in the United States. Many young riders dream of racing in the series one day, so it's encouraging to see the Australians dominate over there and it inspires young riders to go to that level one day. Last weekend marked an exciting opportunity for another Australian — a Western Australian to be precise — who is now chasing his dream of racing in the AMA Supercross 250cc series. Kayden Minear has been a promising talent for several years and made his US pro Motocross debut at the Thunder Valley National where he finished 18 and 11th respectively in two races. Now 18 years old, this moment didn't come out of nowhere. It's the result of hard work and determination. I have a personal connection to Kayden and his family. His dad, Dylan Minear, and I are close friends from high school. Several years later, Dylan and his wife Skye asked my wife Jess and me to be Kayden's godparents, which we were honoured to accept. We are incredibly proud of Kayden's achievements in the sport so far. He started riding when he was just five and showed an adventurous spirit right from the start. Kayden's dream of racing in America developed early on and watching his journey to this opportunity has been nothing short of impressive. I recall a time when he stayed over at our place when he was younger and insisted on swimming. He was determined to master freestyle before getting out of the water, showcasing a tenacity that hinted at his future as a rider. It was a never-give-up attitude. That determination — perhaps bordering on stubbornness — has always been a hallmark of Kayden's character. Seeing him in this position, ready to compete, is no surprise. He's always held onto that dream of becoming a pro supercross rider and now his time has come to make it a reality. Kayden has worked his way through the ranks and has been a champion in the Australian motocross series. He's even represented Australia as a junior overseas, where he performed well against the best at his age. His journey so far has been remarkable, and his commitment to the sport has been unwavering. K Kayden was homeschooled through a significant portion of high school, which allowed him to train daily on the track his parents built for him and his two brothers in their backyard. As his ambitions grew, his family made the big decision to move to Victoria so he could race more often. Soon after, he relocated to Brisbane for new opportunities. At the end of last year, Kayden got the chance to ride in Florida, where he met Chad Reed and had another opportunity to learn from the best. During a three-week event designed for riders like him, Kayden's talent shone through. He impressed everyone in the first week of training and racing so much that the Yamaha team signed him to compete in their amateur series. Kayden's dream has come to fruition and he has the unwavering support of his family behind him. The challenges that have brought him to this moment are now part of his past, the opportunity to do what he loves is fascinating and there are new memories to be made. He's on a new bike that's a step up from the amateur level, racing with a new number, 106 (which replaces the 66 he carried through his junior career). Now, he'll be competing in front of a crowd and against the best in the 250cc series — exactly what he's always wanted. Everything is perfect — aside from perhaps the number change, but that won't bother him one bit! It's all about the dream and he is living it. And that dream will also be supported by his family, who have been there for him every step of the way on his journey. Their unwavering support has played a crucial role in his development as a rider and has guided him to overcome the challenges along the way. Kayden's parents along with his brothers, as well as family and friends, have always been his biggest fans, cheering him on and providing the encouragement he needed to pursue his passion. It's heartwarming to see how a strong family bond can fuel someone's dreams and aspirations. With their backing, Kayden is ready to take on this new chapter in his career and make the most of the opportunities ahead. I know he has a huge support network in WA and within the Australian motocross community, all of whom will be cheering him on. This is just the beginning of his pro journey, and it will be thrilling to see what this determined young man can achieve at this level.
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Sky News AU
9 June
Ooops, an error has occurred! Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we'll help resolve the issue or try again later. The Streaming Subscription provides Australians access to top rating opinion shows, award-winning political coverage, live breaking news, sport and weather, expert business insights and groundbreaking documentaries across four dedicated news channels for $5 a month. This includes: Sky News – Australia's news channel featuring award-winning journalists, insights from the biggest names in opinion, ground-breaking special investigations, and live breaking news, sport and weather. Available live and on-demand. Sky News Extra – A dedicated 24/7 channel featuring live press conferences and Parliament broadcasts, with unfiltered access to Australian democracy in action. Available live. Sky News Weather – Australia's only 24/7 weather channel bringing you the latest weather forecasts from the country's largest team of meteorologists. Available live. FOX SPORTS News – Australia's only 24/7 sports news channel, first and live in breaking sports news. Available live. Stream Sky News channel shows in full live and on-demand on or the Sky News Australia app and cast to your compatible TV. For the best streaming experience, stream your favourite Sky News shows on your compatible Smart TV. For a step-by-step guide on how to sign in on your Smart TV or to find out if your Smart TV is compatible, visit our help page. There is no lock-in contract when you subscribe to a Streaming Subscription. Renewals occur automatically unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions . The Streaming Subscription is not available outside of Australia. If overseas (excluding New Zealand), you can access your favourite Sky News Australia programs by signing up to Australia Channel. Sky News Australia's international 24/7 news streaming service. Find out more here. You can continue to access digital-only content, video highlights, and listen to the latest podcasts without a subscription on our website and app. The Streaming Subscription gives subscribers live stream access to unrivalled news and opinion content across four dedicated news channels 24/7.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
The one thing that could stand in the way of another McEvoy world title
Australia's quest for world swimming supremacy this year is looking shakier by the day, with Olympic champion Cameron McEvoy admitting he may not compete in the upcoming world championships in Singapore. Two years ago, Australia topped the medal tally at the world championships in Fukuoka, beating the USA for the first time in a major meeting since 2001. The USA picked up one more gold medal than Australia at last year's Paris Olympics but the margin could be even greater in Singapore, with Australia already missing superstar Ariarne Titmus, who won't return to competitive swimming until next year. McEvoy, who won gold in the 50m freestyle at the 2023 world championships, is expecting the birth of his first child with wife Maddie just before next month's world championships. The 31-year-old will race at this week's Australians swimming trials in Adelaide but his availability for Singapore is under a cloud. McEvoy is expected to miss Australia's staging camp in Darwin ahead of the world championships, which begin on July 27 and run for eight days. 'He's due [to be born] between trials and worlds. Worlds at the moment is up in the air,' McEvoy said. 'I've got trials down as a target comp. After that, who knows? 'I'm not making any decision around what happens. I'll get through the birth and just see how we're going and make a decision. It'll just be monitoring it with the doctors and getting their advice and how Maddie is going as well.' McEvoy has also revealed he is likely to have a lighter year in 2026 - potentially sitting out the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Pan Pacs in California - before building back up ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.
