Rafael Jodar denies contact with ball girl after incident during French Open match
British tennis is under scrutiny following concerns about the number of injuries affecting its leading players and the broader depth of talent in the game.At the French Open, Emma Raducanu was placed on a relatively minor outside court, reflecting her current standing as an unseeded world No 37.
Meanwhile, Jack Draper’s absence due to a knee injury is expected to push him out of the top 100, leaving Cameron Norrie as Britain’s only male player inside that bracket.
The article highlights that Britain now trails several nations in terms of top-100 players, including countries with fewer resources dedicated to tennis.
A number of British players, including Raducanu, Draper, Sonay Kartal, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart, and others, have faced recurring injuries ranging from foot and knee problems to post-viral illness and rib issues.Norrie himself has been affected by a rib injury during Roland Garros preparations, limiting his training.
These repeated setbacks have raised questions about whether workload, scheduling density on the ATP and WTA Tours, and playing conditions are contributing factors.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has reportedly reviewed its physiotherapy systems in response, though internal assessments found no consistent injury pattern unique to British players.
Experts and players instead point to the increasingly demanding global tennis calendar, including extended Masters events and limited recovery periods between tournaments.Some also suggest that modern tennis balls and playing conditions may increase physical strain due to longer rallies and higher intensity.Despite the concerns, the article notes that other nations are also affected by injuries, including top international players.However, the impact appears more visible in Britain due to the smaller pool of elite players.
The situation has prompted wider debate about player welfare, scheduling reform, and the need for stronger depth in British tennis to remain competitive at the highest level.