Scheduling is something in tennis that’s constantly been on the radar. While fans get to enjoy non-stop tennis action for 9-10 months, the players, who give their everything end up burnt-out. The inability of players to catch a break has got players, experts, and even fans talking. Recently, Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rennae Stubbs also joined the debate to ensure her words about tennis calendar are heard loud and clear.

In conversation on The Rennae Stubbs tennis Podcast, Caitlin Clark expressed her dislike for exhibition matches and suggested that instead of those, we can have 10 grand slams (which certainly is an absurd idea). She further added that if these 10 slams carry equal significance, then the players would give equal time to it and hence the schedule would be a better fit for everyone.

Disagreeing with Clark, Rennae Stubbs suggested that though there is a clear need for schedule change, the idea of having more grand slams instead of regular tournaments is ‘stupid’. Stubbs acknowledged that while all tournaments are important, the four Grand Slams stand out – and that’s what makes them special. Having won 60 career titles in doubles, her best performance in the slams was reaching the R64 5 times.

“Think the schedule needs an overhaul. We’ve talked about that, and I agree with you, but the importance of those four majors makes tennis, makes those events so important to players like I can just tell you right now, I want to win. I wanted to win every tournament I played, but the importance and the specialness of winning a major is just it’s second to none,” she stated, suggesting the massive significance of majors for players.

his is not the first time when she has criticized the calendar. Rennae Stubbs, during a previous episode of the same podcast, shared her frustration with the WTA schedule. She said that it puts too much pressure on players who need to travel constantly.

During her podcast, she explained how difficult it is to go back and forth between continents after major tournaments like the US Open. “Scheduling is killing everybody,” Stubbs said highlighting the strain it puts on players, especially those from Europe and America, who have to travel to Asia and then to places like Guadalajara.

Stubbs mentioned that only players in Asia benefit from this schedule, while others have to endure hectic long flights. She criticized the WTA for its poor planning, saying, “WTA, like, get it together.” However, she is not the only one in the debate. Stan Wawrinka‘s coach, Magnus Norman also highlighted his concerns over poor scheduling last year.

Just like Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Stan Wawrinka’s coach is not happy with the scheduling

Magnus Norman, a prominent figure in the tennis world also raised concerns about the demanding schedule. Magnus Norman, who coaches Stan Wawrinka, shared a similar sentiment a long time ago. In a tweet, Norman pointed out that the length of tournaments, particularly the Masters 1000 and Grand Slams, has been an ongoing issue for years. While Stubbs suggested that Grand Slam means everything to her, Norman pointed out that the length of these events just makes it very hectic for the players.

“Masters 1000 from 7 to 10 days. Grand Slam from 14 to 15 days. Tennis just adds more and more. 25 years ago topic among players was IW and Miami too long of a swing. Worried about players’ physical and perhaps even more mental health,” mentioned Norman in his tweet. He further talked about the impact on players’ physical and mental health while calling for a change in the sport’s calendar.

Not only Norman, but the likes of Iga Swiatek and others have also vented out frustration at the authorities for poor tennis calendar. Do you think that this will change? What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below!