In an interview with Forbes, Karolina Muchova addressed the difficulties players face with the current tournament schedule. She emphasized how the relentless rhythm of professional tennis can take a toll on both physical and mental well-being. “Such a packed schedule is impossible to manage in the long term without it affecting your health, and especially your mental health,” Muchova said.
The pressure to stay competitive
Muchova explained that players are locked into a demanding routine if they want to remain at the top. “As a player, you can’t break out of this tournament routine if you want to stay competitive. You have to keep traveling, playing, defending your points,” she noted. The constant cycle of matches and rankings leaves little room for rest or recovery.
Shared concerns among players
According to Muchova, the issue is widely recognized within the tennis community. “And when we talk about it among ourselves, we all agree: such a packed schedule is impossible to manage in the long term without it affecting your health, and especially your mental health,” she added. She pointed out that every year new demands are added to the season, making the rhythm even stricter, with fines increasing for higher-ranked players who miss events.
Seeking balance and change
Muchova revealed that she tries to disconnect from tennis whenever possible, using free moments to recharge. She and her team have already discussed which tournaments she will skip next year to prepare properly for the biggest events without risking burnout. Still, she admitted that finding balance is nearly impossible.
A call for prioritizing health
The Czech player highlighted that many athletes have ended their seasons prematurely due to mental pressure. She believes the conversation is finally becoming public and hopes it will lead to reform. “We’re trying to push for change, for more sensible planning, and for health to be prioritized, not treated as a side effect of performance,” Muchova assured Forbes.
Her words reflect a growing movement among players to address the mental health challenges of professional tennis and to advocate for a more sustainable future for the sport.
Karolina Muchova in 2025
Now ranked no.19, Muchova played her last match on the 24th of October when she surrendered to world no.11 Belinda Bencic 3-6 7-5 7-5 in the quarter in Tokyo (draw).
This season Karolina owns a 26-17 win-loss record. Karolina Muchova’s most significant result of the year was getting to the semifinal in Australia, Linz and Dubai.
