Iga Swiatek Critiques Tennis Season Length Impacting Player Health

World number two Iga Swiatek has expressed serious concerns about the intensity and length of the professional tennis season, which spans 11 months and includes numerous mandatory tournaments. She highlighted the physical toll on players, particularly during the 'Asian swing,' where multiple injuries forced match retirements at the China Open, affecting players like Camila Osorio, Zheng Qinwen, and others. Swiatek suggested that she may have to skip some mandatory tournaments in the future to prioritize her health, despite the risk of penalties under WTA rules. The WTA has mandated top players to participate in all four Grand Slams, ten WTA 1000 events, and six 500-level tournaments, a schedule Swiatek described as "pretty crazy" and unsustainable. The Professional Tennis Players' Association is pursuing legal action against the governing bodies, reflecting broader discontent with the current tour structure. Swiatek emphasized the need for smarter scheduling and better recovery to protect players, acknowledging that the season's demands are too long and intense to maintain without risking health.