What is the Mandatory Tournament Schedule for top WTA players? A look at how things have changed in recent years in light of Iga Swiatek's complaints
Iga Swiatek recently complained about the WTA Tour's packed schedule, with the tennis body's rulebook stating that it is mandatory for the top players to compete in 21 tournaments. These include four Grand Slams, ten WTA 1000 events, six WTA 500 competitions and the WTA Finals.
Swiatek has often spoken out about players being pushed to compete in too many tournaments and reiterated her stance after her quarterfinal win over Mirra Andreeva at the Cincinnati Open. The Pole said that too many competitions could make tennis less fun.
"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," 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.
The WTA's current rulebook states that it is compulsory for the top players to participate in 21 tournaments. These include the four Grand Slams and the 10 WTA 1000 events, five of which last two weeks. They also have to compete in six WTA 500 tournaments and the WTA Finals. This adds up to 29 weeks.
This is a considerable change from the WTA rules in 2019, when the top players needed to compete in 15 tournaments. These included the four Majors, four WTA 1000 premier mandatory tournaments, four WTA 1000 Premier 5 events, the WTA Finals and two WTA 500 competitions.
Chris Evert defended Iga Swiatek's statements on WTA Tour scheduling
Chris Evert spoke out on Iga Swiatek's comments about the WTA scheduling and said that she understood the Pole's concerns.
"I certainly can understand @iga_swiatek concern about playing too many tournaments, especially when you go deep in tournaments every week. Adding in the @Olympics and much more depth in the game, it’s an important topic," Evert said via X.
Iga Swiatek's run at the Cincinnati Open recently came to an end as she suffered a 3-6, 3-6 defeat to World No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. This was the Belarusian's fourth win over the Pole from 12 matches between the two, and the first time she beat her in straight sets.
The Pole now has 55 wins out of 62 matches so far in the 2024 season. She is next scheduled to compete at the US Open, the main draw of which starts on August 27. Swiatek's campaign at the New York Major ended in the fourth round last year, as she suffered a fourth-round defeat to Jelena Ostapenko.