Elena Rybakina was recently asked what one thing she would change in the sport, and it was a no-brainer that her response would center around the tennis schedule.
Rybakina is among the top-ranked WTA players right now, with a Grand Slam title to her name. She deservedly entered the world's Top 10 for the first time in early 2023 and remains the only Kazakhstani player to achieve this landmark.
The 24-year-old is currently ranked No. 4, a spot below her previous best ranking of World No. 3. Although Rybakina maintains a calm and composed character on the court, she's been very vocal and emotional off it, often pointing out the shortcomings in women's tennis.
Last year, Rybakina spoke against the WTA's harsh schedule multiple times in the wake of her quarterfinal match in Montreal, which finished at almost 3 a.m. local time after being interrupted by inclement weather.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion told reporters that she was "destroyed" after the match and was far from impressed by those in command who should have postponed the match. Rybakina has since reiterated her point that the scheduling needs to be revised to accommodate high-quality matches.
Speaking on Tennis Channel after her comprehensive straight-sets win over Mayar Sherif at the Madrid Open, Rybakina had a message for the WTA decision-makers to help improve players' conditioning and fitness.
"For us, it’s very difficult schedule, that's for sure. Of course, people want to see quality matches. It’s not easy to perform when you are traveling so much and you have week by week tournament."
"I think the most important thing to have this consistency so the players don't get injured, that's the most important so I will say just to make it a little bit easier on us just health wise."
Rybakina will be chasing her seventh straight win on clay when she faces Czech teenager Sara Bejlek in the fourth round in Madrid.
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