British number one Jack Draper believes it will be “very hard” for the next generation of tennis players to “achieve longevity” because of a packed calendar.
The 22-year-old returned to court for a Davis Cup tie in Manchester on Friday – a week after his US Open semi-final in New York.
Draper was beaten in straight sets by an inspired Francisco Cerundolo as Britain lost the tie against Argentina.
“There’s no doubt it’s a quick turnaround, I think a lot of people in my position would have not come this week,” said Draper, who has played 49 singles matches this year.
Members of Draper’s team suggested it might be prudent for him to skip the men’s national team event, where Britain are aiming to qualify for the quarter-finals in November.
But the patriotic Draper wanted to play because he “loves” representing his country.
However, he was below his top level against Cerundolo and raised concerns afterwards about the demands placed on top players.
“It’s a mental calendar,” Draper said.
“It’s my opinion that it’s going to be very hard for players of my age to achieve longevity any more.
“If you look at how many tournaments I’ve played, this year it’s hopefully 25, 26 for the first time. That’s a big positive in itself – this is my first proper year on tour.
“It’s definitely tough, but my team want the best for me, they want me to stay injury-free, to look after my body and mind.”
Why players are concerned about ‘exhausting’ demands
Draper has played more this season than ever in his burgeoning career, having steered clear of the fitness issues which dogged his early days on the ATP Tour.
But he admitted he was feeling the effects of barely having a week off, like all the top players, since early April.
The European clay-court swing, which culminates at the French Open in early June, goes straight into a British grass season crowned by Wimbledon – the pinnacle of the year for home stars like Draper.
This year, players switched back to clay for the Paris Olympics at Roland Garros after Wimbledon.
That was an added complication – and a big ask of their bodies – before they went back to the North American hard courts leading up to the US Open.
“Since Miami [in March] I just haven’t had any time,” added Draper.
“We went straight into the clay, then straight on to the grass, straight to the Olympics, straight out to Montreal, Cincinnati, training week, US Open, here, then it’s Asia, then it’s indoor season.
“I look at the sort of schedule, and I know players have done it for years, but the way the ATP have changed to two weeks with the Masters and these types of things, it’s giving us no time any more.
“There’s literally no break. It’s really mentally and physically challenging.”
After the Davis Cup, Draper’s next scheduled event is an ATP event in Beijing which starts on 26 September.
He is not the first top player to raise concerns about a schedule which he feels is punishing.
Iga Swiatek, the women’s world number one, recently said she felt the current demands were “pretty exhausting”.
The five-time Grand Slam champion criticised the WTA Tour for their mandatory requirements, which says players have to compete in 21 tournaments – up to 29 weeks – each year.
Earlier on Friday, Swiatek cited fatigue as she pulled out of the upcoming Seoul Open.
