“The priority should be our health in general”: Swiatek questions demanding WTA schedule after losing No. 1 Spot
WTA
Iga Swiatek
talks about the penalty that cost her the World No. 1 ranking, now held by
Aryna Sabalenka. The Polish player has expressed her concerns over the
demanding WTA calendar and the physical strain that the mandatory tournaments
entail.
Swiatek
didn’t meet the requirement to play in at least six WTA 500 tournaments (she
only played in two this season), costing her 120 ranking points and allowing
Sabalenka to take the top spot. All players who meet the criteria must also
compete in the four Grand Slams and the ten WTA 1000 tournaments.
“Obviously
it’s not our decision, but I think we have too many tournaments in the season.
It’s not going to end well, and it makes tennis less fun for us, let’s just
say,” said the five-time Grand Slam champion a few months ago during the
Cincinnati Open. “I don’t think it should be like that because we deserve to
rest a little bit more. Obviously, maybe people are going to hate me for that.”
Swiatek Firm on Health Priority Over Ranking Points
The Polish
star is set to make her WTA Finals debut this Sunday against Barbora
Krejcikova. In a press conference, Swiatek was asked if she felt her concerns
were heard by WTA officials: “Well, I feel like when I first came to WTA, it
was pretty tricky,” she replied. “Now I think they are listening to us much
more. I've seen some progress in terms of communication.”
“Yeah, some
things have already been decided regarding the calendar and mandatory
tournaments. It’s something we kind of can’t take back because this is
business, this is our contract, this is money. For sure, it’s not going to be
easy. It depends.”
Swiatek played her last tournament at the 2024 US Open. She was eliminated by Jessica Pegula in quarterfinals.
The World
No. 2 stood firm on her decision to skip certain tournaments, even if it
affects her ranking, as she believes that 20 mandatory events, many lasting two
weeks, could have negative effects on players' health.
“I guess
it’s all going to be about proper planning, making your own decisions, kind of,
no matter what’s going on with the rankings or mandatory tournaments sometimes.
For us as players, the priority should be our health in general,” she
continued.
“We’ll see.
For now, this has been the first year with all these mandatory tournament
obligations. Maybe at the end of the season, there will be a good time to give
some feedback and discuss it internally with the WTA,” added the four-time
Roland Garros champion. “For now, obviously, we need to be ready for the season
to be as long as it is. I’m sure for fans, it’s exciting. I’m going to prepare
myself to be ready to play everything.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
