Frustration among professional table tennis players is mounting as they navigate a demanding schedule filled with extensive travel and competitions, including the Bundesliga and the Champions League. Dang Qiu, a European champion, highlights the challenges of balancing this rigorous calendar, which is further complicated by the upcoming Olympics and European Championships. As the tournament calendar for 2025 remains uncertain, many athletes, particularly those outside the top 30, feel overshadowed by the promised financial benefits that have yet to materialize. Players voice concerns over financial strain, penalties for criticism, and the lack of formal contracts with the WTT, leaving them in a precarious position.
Frustration in Professional Table Tennis: The Struggles of Players Amidst a Challenging Landscape
Dang Qiu, a 28-year-old table tennis player hailing from Nürtingen, was still perspiring heavily even 15 minutes after his first-round victory at the WTT Champions tournament in Frankfurt. The exertion from his match against Marcos Freitag was just one aspect of what has been an incredibly stressful year for him on the table tennis circuit.
“The schedule is packed, combined with extensive travel, often to Asia where jet lag is a concern. I also compete in the Bundesliga, cup matches, and the Champions League, all while trying to find time to live and train. It’s quite a challenge,” reflects Qiu, who was crowned European champion in 2022 and plays for the renowned Borussia Düsseldorf. As if that weren’t enough, the Olympics and European Championships have added to his already overwhelming schedule. It’s a daunting program that shows no signs of easing up.
The Uncertain Future of the Tournament Calendar
As November approaches, the professional table tennis community is still left waiting for the official tournament calendar for 2025. So far, players have only received a provisional outline featuring 18 confirmed tournaments, alongside the tour finals. The once-popular Grand Smashes are now set to take place in the sweltering heat of Las Vegas during mid-summer, and the number of Champions tournaments has increased from five to six.
“In the end, there are always complaints: Is it too much? Is it too little? For me, it’s a positive calendar because there are plenty of opportunities to compete if I choose to,” says Qiu. As the twelfth-ranked player in the world, he enjoys the benefits of this evolving table tennis landscape. However, the vast majority of professionals outside the top 30 are feeling overshadowed by what was touted as a revolutionary shift in the sport back in 2020.
The Financial Strain on Players
“Most of us are losing money participating in the WTT. Without salaries from national leagues, it’s nearly impossible to afford being part of the tour. It’s absurd,” shares an unnamed European player ranked within the top 100.
The ambitious five-year plan had promised a more lucrative professional sports environment. Yet, it seems to be an effort to mimic the tennis tour model, lacking the necessary financial backing. Notably, Stephen Duckitt, the event manager behind this vision, was dismissed just two months ago.
Growing Discontent Among Athletes
The unexpected departure of Duckitt has left many in the community unsettled. Influential figures within the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), which oversees the World Table Tennis Series (WTT), have effectively sidelined him.
Despite Duckitt’s cheerful image on the WTT website, it appears he may not have the last laugh. His plan continues to unfold, often at the expense of players who do not belong to the elite ranks. Consequently, discontent and frustration are peaking, especially during the ongoing second edition of the WTT Champions tournament in Frankfurt am Main.
Benedikt Duda has maintained his impressive performance at the international table tennis event, while Dang Qiu has secured a spot in the round of 16.
Penalties and Sanctions: A Tough Reality
The substantial pressure on players is palpable. Publicly criticizing the WTT can lead to severe repercussions. Duckitt, having drawn lessons from ATP’s practices during his extensive PR career, instituted a strict regime of penalties and sanctions within the WTT.
Players face withholding of prize money and deductions of world ranking points for misconduct—often without clear justification. Even the cancellation of tournaments for valid reasons can result in severe penalties. Although no professional has officially signed contracts with the WTT, they find themselves bound by its obligations.
Financial Realities: The Struggle to Make Ends Meet
Quadri Aruna, the African champion and seasoned Bundesliga player, is one of the few who has openly voiced his concerns. Following the last-minute postponement of a Champions tournament, he faced a conflict with his commitments to his league team in Saudi Arabia. The WTT cited his obligation to participate, leading to a fine and zero points.
“How can something be mandatory when I have no contract with you?” Aruna protested on the platform ‘X’. “My club pays my