LOS ANGELES — American tennis star Maxime Cressy, known for his aggressive serve-and-volley style, has announced an indefinite break from professional tennis, citing mental and physical exhaustion. The 28-year-old revealed his decision in a heartfelt Instagram post, drawing parallels to Tunisian star Ons Jabeur’s recent hiatus from the sport.
Cressy, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 31 in 2022, has struggled with consistency over the past year, dropping to No. 142 in the ATP rankings. His announcement comes just weeks after Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, stepped away from competition to recover from burnout. "The mental and physical demands of the tour have taken a toll on me," Cressy wrote. "I need time to reset and rediscover my love for the game."
The Breaking Point
Cressy’s decision follows a series of early-round exits in 2024, including a first-round loss at the Australian Open. Sources close to the player suggest he has been battling fatigue and motivation issues since late 2023. "Maxime has been pushing himself nonstop for years," said a team insider. "The grind of the tour, combined with personal expectations, became overwhelming."
The American’s serve-and-volley approach, a rarity in modern tennis, requires immense physicality and mental sharpness. Cressy admitted in his post that maintaining this style has been "incredibly draining, both physically and emotionally." His recent struggles include:
- Six consecutive first-round losses in ATP events
- A drop in serve efficiency (from 85% to 76% in first-serve points won)
- Visible frustration during matches, including multiple racket breaks
Following Ons Jabeur’s Lead
Cressy explicitly referenced Jabeur’s break as inspiration for his own. The Tunisian, a fan favorite, took a two-month hiatus earlier this year, returning refreshed at the Madrid Open. "Seeing Ons prioritize her well-being reminded me that it’s okay to step back," Cressy wrote. "Tennis will always be there, but your health won’t wait."
The Growing Trend of Player Breaks
Cressy and Jabeur join a growing list of players taking mental health breaks, including Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu. The ATP and WTA have increasingly emphasized player well-being, with tours now offering:
- Mental health support programs
- Flexible scheduling options
- Reduced mandatory tournament commitments
Former player and analyst Brad Gilbert praised Cressy’s decision: "In our era, we played through pain until we broke. Today’s players are smarter—they’re listening to their bodies and minds."
What’s Next for Cressy?
Cressy hasn’t set a return date but hinted at working on "technical adjustments and mental resilience." His team confirmed he’ll skip the entire clay season, including Roland Garros. Fitness coach Pierre Morvan noted, "This isn’t just about rest—it’s a complete reset. We’re rebuilding his game from the ground up."
Fan and Peer Reactions
The tennis community has largely supported Cressy’s choice. Jabeur replied to his post: "Proud of you, Maxime. Your courage will inspire others." Fans on social media echoed the sentiment, with one writing, "We’d rather see you healthy and happy than grinding yourself into the ground."
As Cressy steps away, his absence leaves a void in the game’s dwindling serve-and-volley contingent. But as he put it: "Tennis isn’t going anywhere. Right now, I need to focus on being Maxime, not just Maxime the tennis player."