The 2025 season has raised serious health concerns in the WTA and ATP tours, especially in its later stages. For instance, at the US Open, Sonay Kartal struggled with severe cramps in her legs and fingers during her opening match against Beatriz Haddad Maia. On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner also faced issues, retiring from the Shanghai Masters due to intense thigh cramping. And even though the top-level ATP and WTA seasons have ended, the problem has continued. At an ATP Challenger event in Australia, New Zealand ace Ajeet Rai now suffered a cramp so severe that the umpire stepped down mid-match, highlighting how serious the issue has become.

The incident took place at the Challenger event during the City of Playford Tennis Internationals in Australia earlier today. New Zealand player Ajeet Rai was facing Taiyo Yamanaka in a midday match under warm conditions in court 1. The match was balanced, with Yamanaka winning the 1st set and Rai taking the 2nd set.

The problem arose in the 3rd set when Rai was serving at 1-2 (0-15). He appeared to struggle with his right arm, and the umpire had to intervene. It was later confirmed that the 26-year-old was dealing with cramping. After a short break, the match continued, but the former 417-ranked ace could not regain control and eventually lost the final set 6-2.

Despite the loss, the statistics showed Rai performed well in several areas. He hit ten aces and won more receiving points than his opponent. However, Yamanaka’s 72% 1st-serve points won and consistency in key moments made the difference.

The cramping issue highlights ongoing physical concerns at the tour, where matches continue without long breaks or rest periods. This match served as another sign of how demanding the schedule can be on players.

Interestingly, this is not the only unusual moment at recent Australian Challenger events. Earlier, during another match, a player unexpectedly asked for sunglasses mid-match, adding to the strange and unpredictable moments seen this season.

Aryan Shah requests spare sunglasses during the Brisbane Challenger tennis match

On November 10th at the Challenger Brisbane Open, an unusual moment unfolded under the strong midday sun. Indian ace Aryan Shah was facing Australian ace Marc Polmans in a tense ATP Challenger match. Shah had dominated the first set 6-1 and was holding firm in the second at 3-3.

During the 5th game, the heat and glare became too much for him. Struggling to see, the 20-year-old Indian switched to underarm serves. Then, in a surprising moment, he asked the umpire if he had a ‘spare pair of sunglasses’.

The umpire appeared confused by the request and called for a supervisor on court. Shah insisted, saying, “It is impossible to serve.” After a short delay, he returned to his normal serving style, but the unusual request to the umpire had already become the highlight of the match. The incident added another strange moment to this season’s Challenger events.

And as tennis continues at the City of Playford Tennis Internationals, odd situations keep appearing late in the 2025 season.