New York — The world of tennis is once again in the spotlight as players, including world number one Iga Swiatek, express concerns about the overcrowded tournament calendar, the demanding season, and the extremely short offseason. Swiatek voiced her frustration this week during the US Open, emphasizing that players’ worries about mental and physical health are seldom taken seriously. “At the very least, we would like to be part of the discussions,” said Swiatek, who has won five Grand Slam titles. “It would be nice for us to have some influence, as I don’t think our sport is moving in the right direction.”
Her concerns were echoed by fellow player Mackie McDonald, who acknowledged that athletes struggle under intense pressure. “Having a normal life? We are far from that. And when we talk about what we deserve – especially at Grand Slam tournaments? It’s sad,” said McDonald.
The issue surrounding the tournament calendar was further highlighted by three-time major semifinalist Elina Svitolina, who described the conflict between the desire to play frequently to earn points and the necessity of taking care of one’s mental and physical health. “It’s a constant balancing act,” she said.
In 2024, women players will be required to play 16 WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) tournaments, an increase from 10 in 2023, sparking debate about players’ workloads. Swiatek noted that the two-week-long combined events for men and women, ranked just below Grand Slams, also shorten breaks between events, making it even harder to find time to work on their game.
The new WTA CEO, Portia Archer, commented on the development of the new calendar, stating that it was created in collaboration with player representatives. “We will continue to listen to feedback from players and tournaments and be open to adjustments in the future if necessary,” Archer added.
Holger Rune, the 15th-seeded player at the US Open who withdrew in the first round, confirmed the pressure: “We want to be ready and compete in the best tournaments, but the schedule is so tight,” he said. “It feels almost like a constant state, 24/7.”
Donna Vekic, who recently had a breakthrough season, shared similar concerns, pointing out that it is impossible to get sufficient recovery time between tournaments. “We have, what, a month, a month and a half? You don’t even have time to relax before you have to start training again,” said the 28-year-old Croatian player.
Players’ concerns appear to be evolving into an important topic in discussions about the future of tennis, with many hoping that steps will soon be taken to address these challenges.