Tennis Stars Call for WTA Schedule Reform Amid Health Concerns
Tennis stars, including Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, are advocating for changes to the WTA's rigorous schedule. The present calendar, filled with mandatory tournaments, is taking a toll on players' health. Some top players, like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, have spoken out about the need for reform.
The WTA's regulations require top players to compete in a minimum number of tournaments, including all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 events, and at least six WTA 500 tournaments. This heavy schedule has left players feeling overwhelmed.
World No. 3 Coco Gauff finds it 'impossible' to keep up with the current schedule, which includes multiple two-week tournaments. She has previously skipped a WTA 500 event in Washington to rest before back-to-back WTA 1000 tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati. Gauff has requested the WTA to ease the schedule, aiming to strike a balance between player health and tournament requirements.
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has also expressed her concerns. She described the WTA's requirements as 'completely crazy' and has suggested skipping certain mandatory tournaments to preserve her health. Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen, playing her first tournament since Wimbledon, did not think the schedule was too heavy for professional players, despite five players retiring injured on the first day of the Peking tournament, including Zheng herself.
The WTA's current schedule, with its mandatory tournaments, is causing concern among top players. Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek have both called for changes, with Gauff suggesting a shorter season during her career. The WTA may need to reassess its regulations to prioritize player health and well-being.
