"All you do is complain...You deserve to get paid a lot less" - Iga Swiatek lambasted by Yevgeny Kafelnikov for bemoaning 'exhausting' WTA schedule
Iga Swiatek's concerns about the demanding WTA tour schedule have provoked sharp criticism from former World No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The Pole, competing at the 2024 Cincinnati Open shortly after her bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics, addressed the issue after her quarterfinal victory at the WTA 1000 event.
Swiatek advanced to the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 comeback win over Mirra Andreeva. Speaking to Sky Sports after her win, the World No. 1 bemoaned the grueling tour schedule, emphasizing her longstanding opposition to the increasing number of tournaments players are expected to compete in.
The 23-year-old acknowledged that while the abundance of tournaments is beyond their control, the "exhausting" schedule could adversely impact the sport in the future as it made tennis "less fun" for the players.
"So what can I say? I've been kind of an advocate, saying that well, we shouldn't be pushing and pushing for us to play more. Obviously, it's not our decision, but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season," Iga Swiatek said.
"It's not gonna end well as it's just it makes tennis less fun for us. Let's just say, I mean, obviously, I love playing all these places but it's pretty exhausting," she added.
Swiatek also suggested that many players share her view on the need for more rest while admitting that her advocacy for time off might lead to backlash.
"I think most of the players could tell you that. Especially when you're playing at the high level and, you know, going to high ranking tournaments. I don't think it should be like that," Swiatek said.
"We deserve to rest a little bit more obviously maybe. People are going to hate me for that because it sounded weird that I'm asking for rest. It doesn't make sense, but the truth is that you have got to keep up with the Tour," she added.
Iga Swiatek, the latest in a long line of players who have raised concerns about the demanding tour schedule, found her fears of inviting "hate" confirmed when Yevgeny Kafelnikov lashed out at her for her comments.
The former World No. 1 harshly criticized Swiatek for what he perceived as constant complaining, suggesting that nobody was forcing her to compete. Kafelnikov further asserted that instead of resting, the Pole "deserved" to earn significantly less in prize money.
"Is someone pushing you to play ??? All you fricking do is complain!! I’ll tell you what you deserve ! You deserve to get paid a lot less than you do now!! How about that??✌️😉," Kafelnikov commented.
Iga Swiatek to take on Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati Open SF
After battling past Mirra Andreeva, top seed Iga Swiatek will lock horns with No. 3 seed Aryna Sabalenka in a blockbuster semifinal clash at the 2024 Cincinnati Open. Sabalenka claimed a dominant 6-3, 6-2 win over Liudmila Samsonova to book her place against the Pole.
Swiatek enjoys an 8-3 lead in her head-to-head record against the Belarusian, including back-to-back wins in their most recent encounters in the Madrid Open and Italian Open finals. The World No. 1 also emerged victorious in their latest hardcourt meeting at the 2023 WTA Finals.
If Iga Swiatek extends her winning record against Aryna Sabalenka, she will square off against the winner of the match between Jessica Pegula and Paula Badosa in the final.