π¨ SHOCK: Legend Andy Roddick ATTACKS ATP schedule is “impossible”. Alcaraz and Sinner are paying a heavy price at Shanghai Masters. Roddick declares: The system must change! See analysis now!

The tennis world has been rocked once again, this time not by a dramatic match or an upset, but by a scathing critique from former world No. 1 and U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick. Following the shocking withdrawals of both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner from the Shanghai Masters 2025, Roddick delivered a fiery statement that is echoing throughout the sport: “The ATP schedule is impossible — it’s destroying our best players.”

Roddick, who has long been known for his honesty and blunt assessments, took to social media and later elaborated on his podcast, “Served with Roddick,” expressing outrage over how the current tour demands are affecting players physically and mentally. “Look at what’s happening,” he said. “Sinner, exhausted. Alcaraz, injured. These are two of the brightest young stars in tennis, and they’re breaking down before the season’s even over. That’s not bad luck — that’s bad planning.”

The controversy erupted after both players were forced to withdraw within 48 hours of each other. Alcaraz reportedly pulled out due to a recurring arm injury, while Sinner cited exhaustion and physical fatigue. Fans were left heartbroken, especially as the two had been expected to clash in what was set to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. Instead, what should have been a celebration of tennis excellence turned into a painful reminder of the brutal toll of the ATP calendar.
Roddick’s comments quickly gained traction across social media and tennis news outlets, with fans and analysts joining the debate. Many echoed his sentiment, calling the ATP schedule “unrealistic” and “punishing,” especially for top-tier players who are constantly expected to perform at their peak while traveling across continents week after week. Others argued that today’s athletes have better resources for recovery and should be able to manage their schedules more effectively — but Roddick wasn’t buying it.
“The system is broken,” he continued. “We’re asking players to compete for eleven months straight, with barely any rest, while the sport keeps adding tournaments for commercial reasons. You can’t sell endurance as entertainment when it’s costing players their health. Something has to give.”
Even veteran players like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have previously criticized the relentless pace of the ATP calendar, calling for reforms that prioritize athlete longevity. Djokovic has often pointed out that mental fatigue can be just as damaging as physical injury, while Nadal has openly admitted that the demanding tour schedule shortened his peak years.
Fans have also noticed how burnout and recurring injuries are becoming increasingly common among the sport’s brightest stars. Sinner, only 24, has played more matches this year than any other player in the top five, and Alcaraz has competed in back-to-back tournaments with minimal rest since Wimbledon. The results are now visible — not just in their fitness, but in the energy and excitement of the game itself.
Tennis insiders claim that talks are already underway between ATP officials and player representatives about restructuring the season, possibly by reducing mandatory events or extending rest periods between tournaments. However, no concrete decisions have been made, and the pressure from sponsors and broadcasters makes change difficult.
Roddick ended his statement with a warning that struck a chord with fans: “If we keep pushing players like this, tennis will lose its best stars before they even reach their full potential.”
As the debate rages on, the withdrawals of Sinner and Alcaraz have become more than just unfortunate news — they’ve become symbols of a growing problem in professional tennis. Andy Roddick’s message has made one thing clear: the time for change isn’t someday — it’s now.