US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula is one of six singles players on the WTA players' council after the 2024 elections.
The Players' Council is a pivotal institution on the ATP and WTA Tours. There have been frequent criticisms about directors off the court having too much power and making decisions without properly consulting players.
One method of trying to wrestle that power back is for the council to advocate for the rights of those who compete on the court. That makes choosing the right representatives for the body crucial.
Although the ATP Tour's decisions are often criticized, the frustration directed at WTA Tour organizers can be especially heated, meaning the council is probably even more important on the women's side.
A recent issue that has generated attention is the number of mandatory tournaments on the WTA Tour next year. The number is scheduled to increase next year to four Grand Slams, ten WTA 1000s, and six 500 events.
WTA 500 tournaments did not used to be mandatory, and those plans have been criticized, most notably by Iga Swiatek, who believes the calendar is too grueling and will lead to injuries and burnout for players.
It is unclear how severe the penalties would actually be if players like Swiatek, who will not play in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, did not compete at some 500 tournaments. Whether the WTA would really punish top players for missing a few 500 tournaments is an open question.
However, players deserve to have clarity about these questions. On Tuesday, the women who will fight for the rights of their peers at the players' council were revealed.
Pegula was re-elected to the players' council as a Top 20 member. The world No. 3 is the highest-ranked singles player on the council, and her peers in the Top 20 will trust her in particular.
Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka is another Top 20 member on the Players' Council. The 35-year-old's experience and understanding of how the WTA Tour works make her an ideal choice.
Caroline Garcia is the third player on the Council as a Top 20 member. She is enduring a challenging year on the court, but the Frenchwoman is an articulate and well-spoken person who could be valuable.
Maria Sakkari is the newest woman and final Top 20 representative on the Players' Council. She had to withdraw from the Guadalajara Open with a shoulder injury, but such issues will not stop her from participating in the Council.
Wimbledon semifinalist and Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic is a member of the 21-50 group, while Daria Saville represents players from 51-100. It is crucial to look out for the interests of those lower down the rankings.
Gabriela Dabrowski and Ellen Perez are the two doubles-only members. The importance of doubles to tennis should never be underestimated, and those two will also play a pivotal role in the Council.
There are many other pertinent issues outside scheduling for those on the Players' Council to address. Support for those on maternity leave, prize money, tournament accommodation, and assistance for injured players are other vital points of discussion.
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