World No. 2 Iga Swiatek has reignited her criticism of the demanding tennis calendar, suggesting the season should be reduced from 11 months to nine. As she prepares for the Australian Open, the Polish star expressed her frustration with the relentless schedule, which she believes takes a toll on players’ mental and physical health.
“It’s Impossible to Stay Motivated for 11 Months”
Swiatek, speaking to Tennis Insider Club, didn’t mince words about her dissatisfaction with the current system.
“It would be easier if the season lasted 9 months and not 11. You know, when I stay at home for a long time, I want to go somewhere, but the season is long. It’s hard to be motivated all the time. I think it’s impossible, even if you have the highest goals.”
The 24-year-old voiced concerns about the mandatory tournaments, which she believes rob players of the autonomy to plan their schedules strategically. Currently, WTA players are required to compete in 21 mandatory events, including Grand Slams, WTA 1000s, and WTA 500s, along with the year-end Finals. Missing these events risks significant ranking penalties.
“How Did We Get Here?”
Swiatek also reflected on how the structure of the WTA calendar has evolved over the years.
“So far, I have the impression that everything is going well, but I don’t really understand how we got to this point where we have to compete for 11 months. I have the feeling that a few years ago, everything was simpler.”
Her comments come as no surprise. Last year, following a grueling clay-court season, she openly criticized the demands placed on players. While her detractors suggested she simply play fewer tournaments and accept lower earnings, Swiatek contends that mandatory commitments leave top players with little choice.
Tensions Surface at United Cup
Swiatek’s schedule grievances might explain her emotional state during the United Cup, where she fell to Coco Gauff in the final. The loss marked her only defeat in the tournament, but it also reignited criticism of Swiatek’s on-court behavior.
After her straight-sets loss to Gauff, Swiatek shared a brief handshake at the net without offering congratulations. Cameras later captured her walking to the locker room in tears. Swiatek also raised eyebrows by taking a lengthy toilet break after the first set and calling a medical time-out late in the second, which she admitted in her post-match press conference was due to fatigue.
What’s Next for Swiatek?
As Swiatek prepares for the Australian Open, her call for a shorter season adds to the growing conversation about player welfare. While her critiques may not lead to immediate changes, they highlight the broader challenge of balancing a packed calendar with player health.
For now, the question remains whether Swiatek can turn her frustrations into fuel for a strong start to 2025—or if the relentless grind will continue to weigh on her game. One thing is certain: the debate over the WTA schedule is far from over.