Tennis offseason

Late in the year, when the year-end championships are approaching, players and tennis commentators frequently point out what a long year it’s been and how tired the players are.  They frequently suggest that the season be shortened.  But then, haha(!), many players play a lot of exhibition matches throughout the offseason.  So what happened to their need for a rest? 

My own opinion is that players want relief from having their earnings linked to match results, as occurs in tournaments, and instead want those guaranteed appearance fees for play that doesn’t affect their rankings.  Exhibitions are great for players who can earn some bucks with nothing on the line for them.

There is nothing wrong with this system.  After all, what’s wrong with giving these great players the opportunity to show off their skills in a low pressure environment, particularly if someone is willing to pay them for doing it?  I do think,  however, that the offseason could be improved a bit as follows:

I think one 250 event should be scheduled in the offseason, perhaps at a sight that is vying for a chance to host an in-season tournament in the future.  A 250 event could be skipped by the top ranked players without risk of losing their seedings in big tournaments etc., and would, at the same time, give lower ranked players a chance to earn a few points that would be valuable to them in the upcoming season.  Just a few points could allow a player who is “on the bubble” the chance for direct entry into a future tournament.

One other minor improvement – stop going on all of the time about how physically taxing the tennis season is!  If the players were really tired they would actually rest!!