Sigi's tips | The merciless hunt in a busy schedule

The German ice hockey team suffered three narrow defeats at the World Championships in Finland and Estonia. At least against big opponents like Sweden, Finland and the USA. The difference was always just one goal and yet there was hope that, strangely enough, came with defeat. The Edmonton Oilers were eliminated from the NHL play-offs and Leon Draisaitl, Germany's best ice hockey player, suddenly seemed to be an option for the World Cup team. Things are gradually getting tight for the DEB selection. In order to securely qualify for the quarter-finals, all remaining four games must now be won. And it's also about the associated direct Olympic qualification for 2026. Draisaitl could have helped, even if it was just for one game. But the Cologne native, who has been under contract with the Oilers since 2014, has rejected the association. The reason is conclusive, simple and totally understandable. He played 92 games this season, including the playoff series. With 142 points, it was his most successful season in Canada. Draisaitl is simply flat. Relaxation is the order of the day and there are also various appointments with his employer on the agenda. It's a life out of a suitcase for him and his colleagues. Short regeneration during a season is impossible. The schedule is packed. For all. For many players who are now in the squad, three weeks ago it was still about the German championship. Busy schedule for everyone The ice hockey department is not alone. Philipp Jicha, coach of the German handball champion THW Kiel, who also competes in the Champions League, said after the lost match against Paris St. Germain: “There is no player who is not injured in some way.” The vicious circle of a competition calendar that is based on The players no longer take any consideration, because more and more games somehow promise more and more income, hits everyone like a whiplash. Injuries and failures are also a big issue in Rome at the ATP tournament. Raphael Nadal canceled early on. He will probably no longer compete at the French Open either. Novak Djokovic took painkillers in the second set of his quarter-final defeat in the Italian metropolis against the Dane Holger Rune. And Jannik Sinner was obviously not in full possession of his strength in the round of 16 against Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo. He complained of dizziness and other physical problems. Rumors of food poisoning were even circulating. But it's not the first time that Sinner feels that he can't travel like a Duracell bunny without losing energy at some point. The early retirement of world number one Carlos Alcaraz was not due to an injury, but the new star of the tennis scene appeared tired. There is also Alexander Zverev, who is almost desperate and even said that he is currently playing the worst tennis of his career. He's not even Germany's best player anymore. Jan-Lennard Struff replaced him. And the Austrian Dominic Thiem, who was number three in the world three years ago, was now eliminated in the round of 16 of an ATP Challenger in Bordeaux. Maybe a few would be more It is a chain of many circumstances that leads to more and more players in top-class sport becoming ill. The naturally existing personal ambition is not compatible with a break, a recovery phase or even just a training block instead of a tournament. Absence leads to a lack of income, which is why the overcrowded schedule is pure seduction. But are we, the sports consumers, also to blame for this misery? Do we always want more? If possible, have a party on some sports field every day? I would want to answer that with a clear no. Basically, we want to be greedy and look forward to extraordinary sporting conflicts, depending on our personal taste. The ever-increasing presentation seems rather intimidating. However, it seems as if you can no longer stop the wheel, which has long been spinning at dizzying speeds, even though less would have long been more. For the good of everyone. At least we have alternatives. A good book, for example. Even if I'm actually arguing against my own livelihood. About the author: Sigi Heinrich The multi-award-winning sports journalist and TV commentator for Eurosport (including the German Television Prize, the Bavarian Sports Prize, the Biathlon Award and the World Sports Trophy) dedicates his column “Sigi's Peaks” to the entire diversity of sports and also enjoys poaching in foreign ones areas. Sometimes with a smile and a wink, sometimes dead serious or deliberately provocative. There should be something for everyone. At this point, unusual, I know, a book tip: “Cold and Still” by Viveca Sten. The first case for Hanna Ahlander. Of course it's available at Athesia.

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Sigi's tips | The merciless hunt in a busy schedule

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