It's no secret that tennis players endure one of the most gruellingly competitive seasons in all of sports.
With official tournaments beginning when most people are still recovering from New Year's Eve hangovers, there are events somewhere in the world right through until the following November.
Then, throw in the Davis Cup finals for the men and the Billie Jean Cup finals for the ladies and you are looking about, realistically, around 3 weeks in December when players can try and get some much-needed rest and recuparation.
So why has this year been filled with top players agreeing to exhibition events in countries such as Saudi Arabia, South America and beyond? Why are the players resting, spending some time on the practice court working on their game? Is all just about money?
World tours
The dust had barely settled on the Turin court that hosted the ATP Finals before two players, including a finalist, were jetting off to South America to tour the tennis-daft continent for five sell-out dates.
Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud visited Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil and Columbia, in a two-week jaunt that would have proved financially beneficial to both.
Surely Nadal could have used the time to ensure the niggling injuries, especially his recurring abdomen issues, could be fully treated considering the decline in form he experienced in the second half of the year.
Then you have the controversial Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia, an event that has been likened to the LIV Tour in Golf.
Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Matteo Berrettini, Nick Kyrgios, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz and Andrey Rublev are just a pinch of the big names competing in the 12-man strong event, with Fritz insisting it part of his plans for preparing for the Southern Hemisphere swing coming up. Somewhat like a pre-season friendly in football.
Is this the reason players aren't taking time away from the court? It is often said there is no replacement for match practice.
There is also the Mubadala Championships and the World Tennis League - featuring Novak Djokovic - both in the UAE, before the first ever United Cup begins, wait for it, on December 29.
Worry
It just goes to show that tennis professionals, when in the midst of what is ultimately - or moreover traditionally at least - a short career, they just can't switch off from the on-court action.
Maybe its fear. Worried that the competitor next to them in the locker room might gain an extra edge going into the new season because they never really switched off.
In a sport often divided by the width of a painted line, maybe its the fine margins that make these players tick, worried their rival will gain an advantage over them if they decide to take a rest.
We will see what players perform when the competitive action returns - very soon.
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