"We need more balance and time to get back home": Iga Swiatek openly criticises 2024 WTA Calendar, says 'room for improvement'
WTAFriday, 24 November 2023 at 23:00
Iga Swiatek
criticized the WTA for the 2024 calendar and the current rules regarding
mandatory tournaments. The 22-year-old Polish player has been one of the most
vocal critics of the WTA, and leveraging her position as the world No. 1, she
has become a leader in addressing the concerns and grievances of her fellow
players.
Swiatek
recently commented in an interview with the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita
that players are expecting changes in the calendar, and the majority are not
aware of the changes mandated by the WTA: "There is room for
improvement," she said.
“As
players, we are dissatisfied with the calendar for next year and the increase
in the number of mandatory tournaments and restrictions related to withdrawing
from them,” Iga Swiatek added.
“We want to
change this. We need more balance and time to get back home. Sometimes,
however, we beat our heads against the wall. Some decisions seem to be the
result of promises made to third parties, federations and tournament organizers,”
4-times Grand Slam champion claimed.
“We find
out about them after the fact. This causes frustration. Only a handful of
players were aware of the calendar reform and the WTA cannot lead to such a
situation again, since it considers itself an organization created for tennis
players,” she added.
Swiatek
acknowledged that she is in a more fortunate financial position than most and
can travel with her family, while the majority must prioritize traveling only
with their coaches to save money:
“I hope
that we will be able to change something – for example in the rules regarding
withdrawing from tournaments,” she continued.
“Fortunately,
I am in a situation where I can afford for my family to go on a trip with me,
but not everyone can afford it. Many players rather save all their money to pay
their coaches.’
“However,
there is a difference between taking your family with you and returning home,
when you can wash your clothes and spend time in the place where you grew up. I
often miss Warsaw,” Swiatek concluded.
The Pole
won $9,857,686 in prize money during 2023, making her the tennis player with
the highest on-court earnings, surpassing Aryna Sabalenka's $8,202,653, not
including sponsorship earnings.
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.
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