John Isner lambasts US Open series schedule amid Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic’s withdrawals

American tennis veteran John Isner has strongly criticized the scheduling of the US Open Series, voicing concern over what he calls “unrealistic demands” placed on top players just weeks before the final Grand Slam of the year. Isner’s remarks come in the wake of high-profile withdrawals by Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, both of whom opted out of key events in the lead-up to the 2025 US Open, sparking debate about player welfare and calendar congestion.

Speaking at a recent press event, the 6-foot-10 former world No. 8 did not hold back. “It’s no surprise players are pulling out,” said Isner. “The schedule doesn’t prioritize recovery or long-term sustainability. It’s a mess. The US Open Series needs a serious rethink.”

The Spark: Alcaraz and Djokovic Withdraw

The immediate backdrop to Isner’s comments was the surprise withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz from the Citi Open in Washington and Novak Djokovic from the National Bank Open in Toronto, citing fatigue and the need to manage their bodies. With the US Open scheduled to begin on August 26, these tournaments were seen as crucial for final preparation.

However, both stars prioritized rest and recovery, raising questions about the physical toll of the season. Djokovic, at 38, has often emphasized the importance of longevity and health. Alcaraz, just 22, has already shown signs of burnout from the relentless ATP calendar.

What Is the US Open Series?

The US Open Series is a run of hard-court tournaments held across North America leading up to the US Open. The events are meant to provide players with match practice and fans with high-level action. Key tournaments include:

The compact schedule leaves little breathing room for top-tier players, especially those who go deep in tournaments, often playing multiple back-to-back weeks without adequate recovery.

Isner’s Criticism: “Players Aren’t Robots”

John Isner emphasized that tennis is one of the few sports that demands year-round physical and mental resilience without a structured off-season. “We’re not machines,” he said. “Fans want to see Djokovic and Alcaraz compete. But when they’re forced to play five weeks in a row in intense conditions, it’s no wonder they withdraw.”

He also highlighted that the North American summer is particularly harsh, with extreme humidity and high temperatures compounding the challenge.

Isner proposed a reduction in mandatory participation rules, increased spacing between tournaments, and greater flexibility for top players to manage their load.

The Numbers: Match Load on Top Players

These figures underline the excessive match volume top-ranked players handle across various surfaces—clay, grass, and hard court—over a grueling season.

Reactions Across the Tennis World

Several former players and analysts backed Isner’s comments. Andy Roddick, another American legend, tweeted, “Isner makes a valid point. If we want the stars to shine on the biggest stage, we need to stop draining them weeks before.”

Martina Navratilova, however, offered a balanced view. “While scheduling is tight, players do have options. You don’t have to play every week. It’s about planning smart.”

ATP Tour officials have so far refrained from issuing a formal statement, but insiders suggest the Player Council may raise the issue in the next ATP Board meeting.

What’s at Stake: US Open Viewership and Player Readiness

A key concern is that early withdrawals or half-fit players can dampen the competitiveness of the US Open. Broadcasters, sponsors, and fans alike rely on the participation of marquee names.

Last year, Djokovic vs Alcaraz in the final attracted record-breaking viewership. A repeat clash, however, looks uncertain if scheduling issues continue to compromise player availability.

Financial Impact of Withdrawals on Tournaments

Lower ticket sales, reduced TV ratings, and limited sponsor activation are all consequences of missing star power. For smaller ATP 250 events, the financial blow is even more severe.

Suggested Reforms by Isner and Others

1. Staggered Schedule: Spread out the series over 6-7 weeks with breaks.
2. Incentivized Participation: Offer appearance fees and ranking points bonuses without making events mandatory.
3. Introduce “Protected Rest Weeks” for players in the top 10 to preserve fitness.
4. Climate-adjusted Start Times: Shift match timings to evenings in hot cities like Atlanta and Washington.

Isner also proposed a Players’ Wellness Fund supported by ATP and sponsors to subsidize fitness, physiotherapy, and travel needs for top performers.

Historical Context: This Isn’t New

Criticism of tennis scheduling isn’t unique to 2025. In 2012, Rafael Nadal also pulled out of the US Open Series due to injury and slammed the ATP for “forcing players into injury-prone conditions.” Federer, too, has in the past opted to skip certain events to extend his career.

Isner’s statements may echo louder now because of the growing focus on athlete mental health, burnout, and longevity.

Will Change Come?

The US Open Series organizers are in a tough spot. They need top talent for ticket sales and broadcast deals, yet overloading these same stars risks their absence. The challenge lies in balancing commercial interests with athlete welfare.

With rising stars like Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, and Ben Shelton gaining traction, the next generation may demand better conditions and player-centric planning, possibly reshaping the tennis calendar altogether.

Conclusion

John Isner’s outspoken remarks have once again spotlighted a long-standing issue in professional tennis—the pressure of packed schedules leading into Grand Slam tournaments. With Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic already skipping key US Open Series events, the warning signs are clear.

If the ATP and tournament organizers want the US Open to deliver peak performance and fan engagement, listening to the players’ concerns is no longer optional—it’s essential. Only time will tell if reforms are implemented, but the conversation has undoubtedly reignited with urgency.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and journalistic purposes only. It does not offer medical or legal advice. All names, events, and analysis presented are based on available public reports and professional commentary.