?Unhappy? Iga Swiatek Lashes Out at the WTA Following the ?Calendar Reform? Debacle

The WTA has raised concerns and frustrations among the players with its recent forceful moves. The current world number 1 in women’s singles, Iga Swiatek is ‘unhappy’ with these moves and has heavily criticized them recently. After ending her season on the highest note in 2023 in Cancun, she’s been quite busy raising her voice against multiple issues with WTA.

2024 marks an important year in the tennis calendar with Grand Slam and Summer Olympics happening in the same year. But despite these mega-events, there are few changes in other tournaments that will expand the number of matches per season. That’s good news for all tennis fans but for the players?

Iga Swiatek yet again lashes out at WTA over their recent autocratic decisions

According to the new calendar, the number of WTA 1000 events will jump to 10. Among them 7 will span for almost two weeks plus 4 new WTA 500 tournaments will also be introduced. This will bring it to a total of 17 events in a single season. The expansion will also lead to an increase in the number of mandatory WTA 1000 events. Players have started to raise their eyebrows and emphasize the toll of such intense schedules. Here’s what Iga Swiatek said when asked if the WTA listening is listening to her views.

‘There is room for improvement. As players, we are unhappy with the calendar for next year and how the number of mandatory tournaments and withdrawal restrictions has increased. We want to change that. We need more balance and time to get home. Sometimes, however, we beat our heads against the wall. Some of the decisions seem to be the result of promises made to third parties, federations, tournament organizers. We find out about them after the fact. This causes frustration. Only a handful of players knew about the calendar reform and the WTA cannot lead to such a situation again. Since it considers itself an organization created for female tennis players,‘- said Iga Swiatek.

READ MORE: ?Bang Our Heads Against the Wall? ? Rivalry Takes Back Seat for Iga Swiatek as She Sides With Aryna Sabalenka Over WTA Controversy

The 22-year-old had earlier expressed her discontentment over WTA not involving players in their decision-making process. She emphasized the importance of having an open communication system between the players and WTA for a better result. Swiatek feels the increase in mandatory tournaments may impact players’ mental and physical well-being in the long run.?

Even in the middle of all the difficulties, Swiatek never lets her focus shift from the game

After an intense battle with Aryna Sabalenka, she finally reclaimed her top spot in the women’s singles ranking. With a win at the WTA Finals, she has now managed to finish the year as number 1 for the second time in a row. But the road to the summit wasn’t a pleasant journey as she had to battle the harsh playing conditions in Cancun to clinch her maiden WTA Finals title.

Despite all the hardships and complaints floating around from her counterparts, she managed to keep her focus on the game. She mostly kept quiet throughout the tournament. But now after ending the season with flying colors, she’s finally releasing all the anger and frustrations she had with WTA. She’s quite proud of her performance in Cancun despite all the difficulties.

Now she is focusing on the challenging season next year and has expressed her interest in taking part in the Paris Olympics. Can she retain the top spot next season as well?

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