Tennis players, including top-ranked Iga Swiatek and Mackie McDonald, express concerns about the professional tennis schedule. They worry about the impact on mental and physical health due to more tournaments, longer seasons, and shorter offseasons. Swiatek emphasized the lack of player consultation in decision-making, stating that athletes should have a say in shaping the sport’s direction.
Female players are required to participate in more WTA events in 2024 as per new rules, leading to challenges in balancing competition with health and well-being. Swiatek and others dislike the tighter schedule, which includes more combined tournaments for men and women, limiting breaks between events and hindering players from adequate rest and preparation.
New WTA Tour CEO Portia Archer defends the schedule, mentioning that player representatives were consulted in its development. She acknowledges the demanding nature of the season but argues that the new schedule aims to provide predictability for top players and support aspiring ones. Despite this, players like Holger Rune and Donna Vekic continue to struggle with injuries and fatigue due to the grueling calendar.
Rune highlights the continuous nature of the tennis season, with minimal time for rest, while Vekic describes the schedule as brutal and unhealthy compared to sports with longer offseasons. The players question if the intense schedule will ever change, as they find little time to relax or recover between competitions. The concerns raised by athletes indicate the ongoing challenges faced within the professional tennis circuit regarding player welfare and the need for a more balanced and sustainable schedule.