In Tokyo, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina pulled out of the Japan Open after calling out the controversial performance byes, citing her body not being ready to play three straight events. She called the WTA mandate of having to appear at certain tournaments to earn byes “not right”. Now in Beijing, Rybakina reiterated that sentiment, saying the new rules mean “you have to compete more”.

As a top player, Rybakina must balance a grueling calendar while staying healthy. However, this has become increasingly difficult, considering the rigorous schedule that the top players are put through. Despite having a reputation for being soft-spoken on the WTA Tour, Rybakina has criticized the officials of late.

History of the WTA changes that agitated Elena Rybakina

The WTA recently modified policies to require players to enter designated tournaments to receive byes. This aims to ensure stars appear regularly, unlike Rybakina skipping Tokyo before her bye. Elena Rybakina sparked controversy at the Tokyo Open when she withdrew after being granted a bye to the second round under the WTA’s new performance-based policy.

She said, “In Tokyo I was not happy. They did not inform me about the performance bye. What was written on the information sheet & everywhere is that in Tokyo there would be between four & six performance byes, what she did not explain was whether they would add two additional byes or remove one. Here the rule is a little different & it was explained a little better. I don’t think it would be good to put this rule only at the end of the season because we had a lot of events like this. I don’t think it looks good for the world number one not to have a bye,” according to a report by Beijing Press.

Continuing the same conversation with the Beijing Press, Rybakina went on to say, “This is something to discuss with the players & see how it is going to be the rule in the future because it has not been fulfilled for four years. That is why many players, especially young players, did not know it. It is not that difficult to explain how it is going to work, that is why many players are not happy.”

Now at the China Open, Rybakina has expanded on her frustrations with the rule changes requiring top players to compete more frequently. Her candid remarks reveal ongoing debates about balancing player workload on a packed tennis schedule. But players have challenged having to overexert themselves just to earn warranted rest later. Rybakina’s candid concerns exemplify this tension.

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Walking the fine line between play and rest

“You have to listen to your body. That’s the most important,” Rybakina affirmed. While admitting she could have played Tokyo, she opted to recover for the WTA 1000 event in China. Top athletes like Rybakina must carefully manage schedules in a crammed season. Her outspokenness has sparked a debate about how to help players peak at majors without burnout.

Rybakina hopes the WTA will reconsider mandated event commitments to earn byes after backlash. She stresses finding a model that helps stars stay healthy and extend careers. Her forthright feedback represents a wider push for developing rules that don’t force overplaying amid tennis’ grueling 11-month calendar.

Elena Rybakina’s candid remarks on needing rest reveal the grinding toll of today’s packed WTA schedule. As mandates meant to deliver star power spark renewed conversations, Rybakina’s stance could influence policy changes to protect players’ longevity and well-being.

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