Jack Draper and Taylor Fritz have both called for changes to the ATP Tour after Novak Djokovic was forced to retire from the Six Kings Slam final against the American
08:56, 20 Oct 2025
Jack Draper has demanded the ATP Tour overhauls its calendar. The British star made this plea after claiming players are forcing their bodies to "do things they aren't supposed to in elite sport."
American Taylor Fritz backed the British No. 1's stance shortly after defeating Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam. The 24-time major champion was forced to withdraw through injury.
Draper was scheduled to compete in the exhibition tournament but cut his season short following the US Open due to an arm problem.
The remarks came just hours after Holger Rune picked up an injury during his Nordic Open semi-final, with his mother Aneke telling Danish publication BT that medics "are completely sure that it is a torn Achilles tendon."
Draper took to X and stated: "Injuries are going to happen... we are pushing our bodies to do things they aren't supposed to in elite sport.
READ MORE: Taylor Fritz says 'don't do that to me' after surprise Novak Djokovic retirementREAD MORE: Novak Djokovic retires at Six Kings Slam and says 'I want to apologise to everybody'"We have so many incredible younger guys on the tour right now, and I'm proud to be a part of that; however, the tour and the calendar have to adapt if any of us are gonna achieve some sort of longevity."
Fritz responded an hour later. He added: "Facts, also seeing more injuries and burnout now than ever before because balls, courts, and conditions have slowed down a lot, making the weekly grind even more physically demanding and tough on the body."
The American also stood by his position on the social media platform, especially after featuring in the exhibition match, reports the Express.
"I've been saying the same thing my entire time on tour," Fritz said. "I think it's fair to say I grinded to make a career for myself, I didn't magically get here. My opinion stays the same from when I was 20.
"I understand the argument of playing Exos (exhibitions). But in most cases, barring the Laver Cup and the Six Kings Slam, it's a 1/2 day event where it's enjoyable just to play in a way that's not physical and for entertainment with minimal physical stress and zero mental stress."
Djokovic himself shed some light on his injury after the battle with Fritz. He said: "Not great. I want to apologize to everybody. Sorry guys.
"Sorry you couldn’t see the second set... Well, now it's rest and really addressing some of the issues I have with my body. And then hopefully playing the last couple of tournaments of the season, let's see."
The Serbian champion has previously shed light on where he might play next if his injury allows. Before a shock defeat to Valentin Vacherot at the Shanghai Masters he was asked about his scheduling.
"So after Shanghai, the only tournament I know I'm going to play is the one in Athens, and then let's see if I play Turin or not, I'm not sure yet."