Summary
Aryna Sabalenka, the world's top-ranked female tennis player, criticized tennis authorities for prioritizing their own interests over player health due to a busy tournament schedule. She plans to skip some events to protect her health, despite potential penalties. Sabalenka's concerns reflect broader issues in tennis regarding a hectic season that many players believe leads to injuries.
Key Facts
- Aryna Sabalenka is currently ranked as the world's number one female tennis player.
- She criticized tennis officials for not prioritizing player health with what she calls an overloaded tournament schedule.
- Sabalenka intends to skip some tournaments this year to avoid injuries, even though this might lead to penalties from the WTA Tour.
- The WTA rules require top players to compete in all four Grand Slam tournaments, ten WTA 1000 events, and six WTA 500 events.
- Sabalenka states that participating in every required event last season left her frequently exhausted or sick.
- Concerns about the long tennis season, which lasts 11 months and includes an extensive calendar of events, are shared by other top players like Carlos Alcaraz.
- The "Asian swing" of the tennis season is noted for increased player injuries due to tight scheduling.
- Sabalenka and other players believe that mandatory event rules need to be reconsidered for better player health.
