Isner breaks a taboo: "The off-season is so overrated"

John Isner is not afraid to go against the grain. For him, the off-season is not that sacred moment everyone imagines. A statement that raises questions about champions' preparation and their relationship to performance.

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Clément Gehl

le 14/12/2025 à 12h25

1 min to read

Isner John

The off-season period in professional tennis regularly reignites the debate about its length. On his podcast Nothing Major, John Isner went against the grain by stating that this period is not as important as it is made out to be.

He explained: "This might be a controversial opinion, but the off-season is so overrated. Especially once you have a certain level of fame, towards the end of your twenties, you don't reinvent the wheel, you just need to maintain yourself and stay healthy.

"It's about maintaining your fitness"

Of course, you have to be very professional, but there's no need to exhaust yourself during these three weeks. Work hard, sleep well, eat well, and prepare for the coming year.

If you're 20 years old and just starting on the tour, yes, you need to strengthen your body. Early in your career, the off-season is crucial for building that foundation, but once you're well-established, it's about maintaining your fitness and taking care of yourself."