Swiatek Raises Concerns Over Grueling Tennis Schedule

Former world number one Iga Swiatek has publicly criticized the intensity of the tennis calendar, suggesting that players should not be compelled to participate in more than 20 tournaments a year to preserve their rankings. Now ranked fourth globally, Swiatek expressed feeling entrapped in a system where she must choose between national duty and personal priorities after missing Poland's Billie Jean King Cup qualifier in April.

The nearly year-long tennis schedule is central to a lawsuit from the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) against the sport's governing bodies, labeling it 'unsustainable.' Swiatek remarked that the rigorous scheduling significantly impacts players' mental health. "Playing over 20 tournaments annually is unfeasible," Swiatek told reporters, addressing the mental health challenges players face.

Swiatek, the eighth seed at Wimbledon, faces Polina Kudermetova in the first round. Having reached her first grasscourt final at the Bad Homburg Open, Swiatek remains optimistic about her grass performance despite recent defeat to Jessica Pegula. "Adapting to grass feels slightly less challenging each year," Swiatek reflected, acknowledging the persistent difficulties of the surface.

(With inputs from agencies.)