Sabalenka Labels Tennis Season as “Insane”
Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, has described both the tennis season and the WTA Tour as “insane,” highlighting the demanding schedule and the repercussions for players who miss events.
Struggles with the Schedule
After her 6-3, 6-3 victory over Sorana Cîrstea in the Brisbane International quarterfinals, Sabalenka responded to a question about potentially adopting a lighter schedule, akin to Serena Williams’s approach. She stated that taking such an approach is not feasible due to penalties imposed for missing mandatory WTA 1000 events and for not participating in at least six 500-level tournaments. Last year, both Sabalenka and world No. 2 Iga Świątek faced ranking point deductions for not playing enough 500s, and players risk fines for withdrawing from events.
Concerns Over Player Health
“The season is definitely insane, and that’s not good for all of us, as you see so many players getting injured, with the heavy balls adding to the challenge,” Sabalenka commented. She acknowledged the difficult nature of mandatory events but noted that she still opts to skip some to protect her health, having faced significant struggles last season.
Balancing Performance and Well-being
Despite achieving consistent results, she frequently played while unwell or exhausted from overcommitting. “This season we will try to manage it a little better, even if that means facing fines. It is challenging to skip a 1,000 event, and I find it insane what they do, prioritizing their interests over our well-being,” she said.
WTA’s Response to Player Concerns
A WTA spokesperson asserted that “athlete welfare is a top priority for the WTA” and emphasized their commitment to listening to player feedback regarding the season’s structure, with ongoing collaboration with the ATP, ITF, and Grand Slams.
Broader Implications in the Tennis World
Sabalenka’s remarks follow similar sentiments expressed by Iga Świątek, who called the WTA’s mandatory rules “madness” during the China Open, where many players faced injuries. Carlos Alcaraz, the men’s world No. 1, echoed this sentiment, indicating that the tennis schedule could be detrimental to players’ health.
Exhibitions versus Tour Matches
Some might wonder why players feeling exhausted participate in exhibitions like Sabalenka’s recent match against Nick Kyrgios. Players argue that exhibitions are less grueling than tour events, where competitions for prize money and ranking points add stress. Additionally, the PTPA advocates for players’ rights to choose events for maximizing their earnings.
