Tennis, as a sport, can sometimes be very exhausting.  The scheduling can sometimes take a huge toll on players and Iga Swiatek is one of the stars who has been very blunt on this subject. However, not everyone seems to agree with that. One of the legends of the game gave a stark reply to the statements made by the Polish pro. Garbine Muguruza, in a recent interview, addressed the ongoing debate around the demanding tennis schedule.

It could be a direct response to Iga Swiatek’s concerns. Swiatek, who has voiced frustration over the tightly packed calendar, said, “We don’t have time to work on stuff or live peacefully, because from one tournament we’re going straight to another.” She pointed out that the 2025 season will begin in the last week of December 2024, highlighting how little downtime players have.

Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam champion, sees the situation differently. She believes top players have the freedom to manage their schedules and decide when to take a break. “There’s nothing to complain about. I think it’s great. You set your own schedule, you know your capabilities. Especially when you’re winning a lot of matches, you might think: I should take a break,” Muguruza explained. For her, the control lies in a player’s ability to assess their own workload and make choices accordingly.

Interestingly, Iga Swiatek last played at the US Open and has since been away from the courts. After a total of 59 days, she finally made her presence back to the courts at the WTA Finals. Muguruza’s perspective suggests that players need to take responsibility for their well-being, rather than depending on external changes to the schedule. Her statement contrasts with Swiatek’s concerns, reinforcing the idea that tennis’s elite players can manage their schedules to avoid burnout.

Muguruza’s comments bring a practical approach to the debate, encouraging players to take charge of their careers and balance rest with competition on their own terms. While she suggested that players themselves are able to decide which tournament they should play in, it is not necessarily.

Skipping from multiple events costs Iga Swiatek her top-ranking

The demanding tennis schedule has put top players like Iga Swiatek in a tough position, as they face penalties for skipping mandatory tournaments. The WTA requires high-ranking players to compete in 20 mandatory events, including all four Grand Slams, ten WTA 1000 events, and six WTA 500 tournaments, if their rankings allow direct entry. This structure limits the options for players like Swiatek, who need rest yet risk losing points for skipping events.

Swiatek’s decision to skip some tournaments this year had direct consequences on her ranking. Missing required events to manage her physical health, she lost ranking points, which cost her the No. 1 spot. Aryna Sabalenka, facing a similar situation, also had points deducted. However, Swiatek’s point loss was greater, which allowed Sabalenka to overtake her and become the new world No. 1.

This dilemma highlights the challenge for top players who must balance their health with a system that leaves little room for flexibility. Swiatek’s case has sparked a broader discussion about whether the WTA’s strict schedule policies need adjustment, as players strive for career longevity and well-being amidst a grueling tournament calendar.