Swiatek Highlights Season’s Demanding Nature

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has expressed apprehension regarding the rigorous and extensive professional tennis schedule, characterizing it as “too long and too intense.”

The 22-year-old, a four-time Grand Slam champion, cautioned that the existing calendar might eventually compel her to forgo even mandatory tournaments to safeguard her well-being.

Her remarks follow a series of injuries during the WTA Tour’s ongoing Asian leg. On a recent Monday, five matches at the China Open were halted due to player injuries. Among those affected, Camila Osorio withdrew from her match against Swiatek after the initial set, while Lorenzo Musetti and Zheng Qinwen also could not complete their respective matches.

Swiatek emphasized that the concluding portion of the season is notably challenging, notably in Asia.

“Regrettably, the Asian swing presents the toughest challenge, as you sense the season’s imminent conclusion, yet continued exertion is necessary,” Swiatek stated.

“I remain uncertain about the trajectory of my career in the coming years. I might need to selectively participate in tournaments, potentially skipping even those that are mandatory. The WTA’s mandatory regulations have introduced a degree of complexity for us.”

As per current WTA regulations, leading players are obligated to participate in all four Grand Slams, ten WTA 1000 events, and six WTA 500 tournaments.

The WTA has defended its framework, asserting that recent modifications aim to harmonize workload and rewards, while prioritizing player welfare.