"What the sport needs to do is actually work together" says Billie Jean King on gruelling WTA Calendar as player complaints rise
WTASunday, 26 November 2023 at 11:00
Former world number one Billie Jean King has urged the
tennis authorities to find a way for better scheduling after a hectic season.
A lot of notable players complained about scheduling in the
WTA circuit. Players like America’s Jessica Pegula ended up playing 136 matches
in 2023, meaning a match is less than three days. However, that included
matches in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles category.
In just the singles category, the current world number one
Poland’s Iga Swiatek ended up playing the most matches (75) in the season. Pegula
was second with 70 matches followed by Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka (69) and
America’s Coco Gauff (66).
King, who is often regarded as one of the greatest players in
the history of women’s singles tennis in the Open era, having won 12 Grand Slam
titles in her career, recently while talking to CNN, urged the tennis authorities
to come together to have better scheduling to ensure that players will not have
to suffer from fatigue.
“What the sport needs to do is actually work together, which
is really difficult,” she said. “I think we really should think about the
schedule together. I think we need to take care of our sport the most. Put the
sport first and figure out the scheduling.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Iga needs to make a decision whether she wants to continue the sport of tennis or pursue whatever she has going on in her personal life. One can tell that tennis is no longer an interest of hers. She should retire while she is on top, not when she slides to the bottom of the rankings. She has too much talent to look how she does on the court these days. She looks more like a wild card than a champion.crissy09-09-2026
- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
- Huge win for Ben! He needed this. Amazing that Alcaraz took over four months off and still was able to make the QF’s and take Ben to a fifth set tie break! Insane tennis. Tiafoe vs. Shelton should be a good one too. Americans might finally get their US Open Champion after 23 years!DaveyWavey09-09-2026
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
Loading
