 Andy Roddick is the only top-six player in Paris |
Andy Roddick has joined the debate over the growing injury list in tennis by calling for the season to be shortened. The American is the only one of the world's top six men to be playing at the Paris Masters, which has been decimated by injuries.
"We're in the 11th month of the season," he said. "This might be taken the wrong way, a lot of people saying we're spoiled, but it's too long."
Tournament co-chairman Cedric Pioline has called for changes to the schedule.
The self-proclaimed biggest indoor tournament in the world is without Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Marat Safin through a variety of injuries.
 |  We're in a business where we beat up our bodies on a daily basis |
Pioline said: "Something has to be changed. We're waiting for a sign from the ATP. The top tournaments need to be highlighted and protected."
Organisers have had to change the faces on the posters advertising the event several times over the past few weeks.
"We can't change the prize money or the venue at the last minute," said Pioline.
Roddick added: "I know a lot of people work really hard all year round but we're in a business where we beat up our bodies on a daily basis.
"Everybody here is acting surprised that the guys who play the most amount of matches are injured.
"It's not rocket science to figure out why. It's an obvious problem. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an obvious solution."
MMIX
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