Garbine Muguruza does not think players should be unhappy with the tennis schedule after strong criticisms of it from players like Iga Swiatek in 2024.
Swiatek is currently in Riyadh, competing for the first time in nearly two months at the WTA Finals. She lost her second round-robin match of the tournament against Coco Gauff in straight sets.
The Pole's absence from professional tennis before the WTA Finals was caused by her split with longtime coach Tomasz Wiktorowski. She hired Naomi Osaka's coach, Wim Fissette, as Wiktorowski's replacement.
However, despite Aryna Sabalenka being confirmed as the year-end No. 1 after Swiatek's loss to Gauff, the four-time French Open champion may have been relieved to have a break from the WTA Tour.
Swiatek has been been one of the most vocal opponents of the length of the season. She argues it could have serious long-term consequences for players and also harms the quality produced at tournaments.
On the WTA Tour, the four Grand Slams and ten WTA 1000 events are mandatory for the top players. In addition, there is a rule stating those at the top must compete at six WTA 500 tournaments.
Some feel the recent move to make combined ATP and WTA 1000 level tournaments two weeks means having that number of mandatory tournaments is too much of a mental and physical strain for players.
Swiatek and Sabalenka did not play at six WTA 500 tournaments in 2024. The controversial rule about mandatory tournaments resulted in both women having the points from their lowest-earning events removed on two occasions this year.
Unfortunately, Swiatek was disproportionately impacted. As a result, Sabalenka had an even bigger points lead before the WTA Finals, making it easier for her to seal the year-end No. 1 spot.
Other ATP and WTA players, such as Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Jessica Pegula, have also argued that the season is too long and should be shortened for the players' long-term health.
However, Muguruza, who retired earlier this year, did not express solidarity with Swiatek and the others who disapprove of the lengthy tennis calendar. She told The National that players can plan their schedules and does not think they have any reason to complain.
"Personally, would I have stayed longer [in the sport] if it were different? No, I don’t think so because I never complained about the tour. “It is what it is, we have so many opportunities, you can also make your own schedule. You don’t have to be forced to play all the tournaments."
"It’s great to have so many tournaments, so many opportunities for players who are not top 50, not top 10. And after you can make your own schedule. I don’t think there’s a reason to complain. I think it’s the opposite. It’s great. You make your own schedule and you know your own capacity."
Muguruza, the WTA Finals tournament director, did not address that players like Swiatek and Sabalenka were punished for not following mandatory tournament rules, which is a crucial part of the conversation.
While it is true that players are not technically forced to play at all tournaments, the current rules can lead to the situation Sloane Stephens described of some competing when they are not ready for it.
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