“I don’t think our sport is developing in the right direction”: Tennis star Iga Swiatek expresses concern about demanding schedule | Tennis News

NEW DELHI: Top Tennis player are increasingly expressing concern about the sport’s demanding schedules, arguing that the relentless calendar is having a detrimental effect on their physical and mental wellbeing.
At the top is the number 1 in the world Iga Swiatekwho criticises the lack of consultation with players on scheduling decisions and the disregard of their concerns about the potential health impacts of a crowded schedule.
“We want to at least stay up to date. It would be nice if we could make a difference, because I don’t think our sport is moving in the right direction,” Swiatek said before her second-round match at US Open on Thursday.

Players of all kinds, including Mackie McDonald And Elina Svitolinaagree with Swiatek’s views.
“The tours are not united enough to work together without egos and money being involved. The players are completely worn down in many ways – physically, mentally, financially,” said Mackie McDonald, while Svitolina said: “You want to play more because you want to be high in the rankings and win tournaments, but you also have to look after your mental health and your physical condition.”
The WTA TourThe recent rule change by , which requires more compulsory attendance at events, has further heightened these concerns.
The increase in combined two-week tournaments for men and women below the Grand Slam level has also been criticized as it limits recovery time and preparation opportunities.
Players like Holger Rune feel compelled to compete despite injuries due to the busy schedule.
“We want to be ready and play the best tournaments, but the schedule is so tight. I think it’s probably the tightest sports schedule there is. There’s December, we’re basically off then. And then there are the exhibition tournaments and everything. It goes on practically around the clock,” added Rune.
Donna VekicDespite the best season of his career, he stresses the toll the schedule takes on players’ health and points out that there is no real offseason for rest and recovery.
“The schedule is absolutely brutal. If you compare it to other sports that have a real off-season – we have, what, a month, a month and a half? You don’t even have time to relax, to rest, before you have to start training again. I’m not sure if that will change, but it’s very unhealthy,” Vekic noted.
While the WTA acknowledges the challenging schedule, its response emphasizes the predictability offered by the new system and the potential for future adjustments.
However, players’ concerns about a lack of participation in decision-making and the potential long-term health consequences remain a significant point of contention.