John McEnroe has openly criticized the current tennis calendar, emphasizing the need for adjustments to help players recover better. Recently, McEnroe called for the Australian Open to be rescheduled later in the year, aiming to provide athletes with more off-season rest to counter increasing physical demands. This call comes amid ongoing debate about the grueling nature of professional tennis and follows McEnroe’s previous remarks on marathon matches like the 2023 Roland Garros final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

McEnroe highlighted that concerns over the tennis schedule are not new, tracing back to his playing days. Speaking with the Italian news outlet Corriere Della Sera, he pointed out that the Australian Open’s prior placement around Christmas was a major reason he frequently skipped the event. He stated,

“It’s a controversy that dates back to my time… The Australian Open used to be played at Christmas, one of the reasons I didn’t go to Melbourne.”

He insisted that the current volume of matches is overwhelming and stressed the need for a longer break between major tournaments.

He further remarked,

“Of course there is too much playing! We should postpone Australia and give these poor guys more off-season. The idea of ​​giving three weeks between Paris and Wimbledon is good. And the Davis: I was keen on it, now I don’t care.”

McEnroe also expressed frustration about the proliferation of tournaments, exhibitions, and new tennis events, noting,

“But everyone wants to play the Laver Cup. Bah. You can’t want everything, extra tournaments and events, Majors and money-making exhibitions. And in the meantime tennis is becoming more and more physical. But when do they rest?”

McEnroe’s absence from the Australian Open reflects how scheduling impacted players in his generation; he only competed there five times and never claimed the title. His comments underscore a broader concern about player welfare amid a congested competitive calendar.

Upcoming 2026 ATP Tour calendar changes offer minimal relief

Despite these calls for reform, the ATP Tour’s 2026 calendar release showed no significant shift that addresses McEnroe’s suggestions. The Australian Open will remain fixed in mid-January, starting on January 18, 2026, continuing the tournament’s traditional spot at the beginning of the tennis season.

However, some adjustments have been introduced to other tournaments. The long-standing Moselle Open in Metz will be removed after 22 years, marking the end of a notable stop on the ATP Tour where Novak Djokovic secured his first hard court title among his current tally of 71. Meanwhile, the Estoril Open will return to the main ATP Tour following a one-year break.

Additionally, the Open 13 in Marseille will shift from February to October, and the Stockholm Open will move from October to November. These modifications focus on rearranging less prominent events rather than addressing the major concern of player rest surrounding Grand Slams and demanding schedule sequences.

• Moselle Open removed after 22 years on the calendar.
• Estoril Open reintroduced to the main ATP Tour after a hiatus.
• Open 13 in Marseille moved from February to October.
• Stockholm Open rescheduled from October to November.

The broader implications for tennis and player health

McEnroe’s recommendations highlight a growing tension within the tennis community about player fatigue and the sustainability of current match schedules. With tennis matches becoming ever more physically taxing, the demand for adequate rest is rising in urgency. While the ATP calendar changes reflect some shifts, they fall short of addressing the core issues identified by McEnroe and others like Andy Murray and Carlos Alcaraz, who have voiced concerns about the tour’s intensity.

As the sport evolves, the scheduling of flagship tournaments such as the Australian Open remains key to balancing competition with player well-being. Future adjustments could hinge on ongoing debates over the optimal timing of Grand Slams and interspersed events, potentially reshaping tennis’s competitive landscape in the coming years.