World number one Aryna Sabalenka terms the tennis authorities ‘selfish’ by trying to follow their interest only, rather than caring about the players’ interest, considering the calendar.
Players have been raising concerns about the schedule in recent months, saying it is too long and intense. Leading players on the women’s tour are expected to play at least 20 mandatory events – four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000s, and six 500s.
Belarusian Sabalenka said she would skip some events this year to protect her body. “The season is definitely impractical, and you see so many players getting injured,” Sabalenka said after her 6-3, 6-3 victory over Sorana Cirstea at the Brisbane International.
She added, “The balls are quite heavy, so it’s a lot of struggle for all of us.”
Sabalenka and world number two Iga Swiatek were deducted ranking points for not playing enough WTA 500 events last season. “I am skipping a couple of events to protect my body because I struggled a lot last season,” the 27-year-old tennis star revealed.
Sabalenka divulged that despite having participated in a few tournaments and being consistent in terms of performance, she was forced to play with sickness and exhaustion.
The WTA Tour has said player welfare will ‘always remain a top priority’. Four-time major singles winner Sabalenka says she is ‘definitely not at her peak’ as she builds up to the Australian Open, where she is targeting a third title in four years.
Sabalenka lost to Madison Keys in last year’s Melbourne final.
