Why do some tennis players lose their games at such an early age?

Question

Some guys that come to mind:

Jim Courier

Marat Safin

Michael Chang

Goran Ivanisevic (except for the Wimbledon victory late in his career)

All of those players had great success early in their careers, but faded really quickly. Why does that happen to some players?

Answer 1

Well there are many many reason...actually so many that they all may be on an individual basis.  

Safin, you may say is burnt out.  He does not work nearly as hard as everyone else on the tour.  Not to mention he parties much more!  

Other players at a younger age will hit the tour with a bang.  Eventually smarter and older players can find weaknesses within their game.  If these weaknesses are not worked out, then im afraid the pro will get left behind in the history of the tour.

Many players become injured as they get older.  The wear and tear on your body is overwelming.   For example, nadal's knees are a mess he is young.  But Blake who is much older, is doing just fine (currently injury free) because did not hit the tourn until after college years.

Again, its all on an individual basis.

Answer 2

They get burned out? Their game is staying the same while everyone else's is getting better (more parity), they reached their peak at a young age and couldn't keep it consistent?

Answer 3

Tennis.. competitively is a taxing sport physically and mentally i love the sport dearly.. but it wears down your arms and shoulders.. and techincally also your knees and legs.. competitively is tough... people think its a p***y sport and my god they are wrong....