ATP, WTA Fall Asian swing should be scrapped
· Yahoo Sports
In case you missed it, tennis season is still going on. The ATP and WTA are in the middle of the fall Asian swing on the hardcourts of Japan and China.
No disrespect is directed to the Asian tennis fans, but this part of the season should be scrapped. Players should be enjoying the offseason in October. The only tennis to be played in October should be Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, and Laver Cup team events that players can choose or bypass.
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The US Open should be the last tournament of the season, and the ATP and WTA Finals should be held at the end of September instead of in early November.
MORE: Tennis season continues after 2026 US Open with tournaments through November
Injuries are more plentiful
Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – September 13, 2026 Germany’s Alexander Zverev celebrates with the trophy after winning the men’s singles final against Ben Shelton of the U.S. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Robert Deutsch Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters (Reuters)Though injuries are not exclusive to the fall, they are magnified at that time because of the previous 10 months of play. Fatigue is also an issue. Between the travel, training, and tennis, players are worn out.
That’s why many don’t play the Asian swing. After an intense US summer series, who wants to trek across the globe to Asia without some decent rest? If players are trying to make the ATP Finals, the Asian swing is a catch-22. They need points but don’t want to get injured or worn out earning them.
Those who do play are banged up, and retirements become more prevalent. Consider the Japan Open and China Open ATP draws. Carlos Alcaraz won the Japan Open title; however, Denis Shapovalov had to retire in the semifinal because he got injured. Novak Djokovic won the China Open title; however, Alex de Minaur had to retire because he got injured. In de Minaur’s semifinal win, Hubert Hurkacz had to retire midmatch due to injury.
MORE: Why are high-ranked Americans MIA in ATP, WTA Asian swing?
Fan excitement outside of Asia is low
It is hard for North American fans to get excited about the fall Asian swing because of the time difference. Middle of the night (Eastern time) tennis viewing is necessary to watch live action.
While this is also the case for the Australian Open, it is a Grand Slam that opens the season in January so the odd hours of television viewing are considered more worthwhile.
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