"Pathetic"; "Overworked and underpaid" - Pam Shriver, Thanasi Kokkinakis & tennis world react to shocking off-season stat

Pam Shriver, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and others from the tennis world were taken aback by a shocking off-season statistic. The stat revealed that the time between the last match of the 2024 season and the first match of the 2025 season was less than five days.

The final match of the 2024 season was the title clash of the Next Gen ATP Finals, which was played on December 22, 2024. The 2025 season started with the United Cup on December 27, 2024.

Recently, a stat was shared that stated that the duration of the tennis offseason was four days, seven hours and 31 minutes.

“Last point of the 2024 tennis season: December 22, 9:38pm (Jeddah time). First point of the 2025 tennis season: December 27, 10:09am (Perth time). Duration of this year's tennis offseason: 4 days, 7 hours, 31 minutes," the stat read.

The incredibly short off-season some players got did not sit well with the tennis community. Players, journalists, and fans alike criticized the minimal break for the athletes. They took to social media to voice their concerns

Former doubles World No. 1 Pam Shriver described the brief break between seasons as "pathetic."

“Pathetic but most players had many weeks," the 62-year-old stated.

Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis sarcastically remarked that the short off-season must be great for the players' health. Meanwhile, a fan pointed out that the players were "overworked and underpaid."

“OVERWORKED AND UNDERPAID," a fan wrote.

“Tennis is the gift that keeps on giving!! 🎾 😅 ," Tennis Channel's Steve Weissman stated.

“That's healthy 😳 ," Kokkinakis wrote on X.

One fan stated that with such a short off-season, "tennis never sleeps."

“I think Next Gen could be considered part of the 2025 season ahahha," a fan posted.

“Tennis never sleeps," a fan wrote.

“Offseason said," a fan shared a GIF.

Thanasi Kokkinakis among notable names to withdraw from Brisbane International 2025

Thanasi Kokkinakis at Davis Cup Finals [Image Source: Getty Images]

Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was set to kick off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International, which is scheduled to take place from December 30, 2024, to January 6, 2025 has withdrawn from the tournament.

Kokkinakis took to social media to announce his withdrawal from the ATP 250 hard court tournament. He cited a minor hip injury as the reason for his decision to pull out

“Sad to miss @BrisbaneTennis this year. Dealing with a small hip issue that needs some more time, but hopefully back for the rest of the summer," Thanasi Kokkinakis posted on X.

Joining Kokkinakis in withdrawing from the Brisbane International are Jessica Pegula, who was scheduled to make her tournament debut, and Ajla Tomljanovic.