WTA Finals tournament director Garbine Muguruza has claimed that those unhappy with the tour schedule have “nothing to complain about”.
Iga Swiatek has raised concerns over the demanding calendar on multiple occasions and warned the WTA that it wasn’t going to “end well” for the players.
But retired star-turned-tournament boss Muguruza believes successful players like Swiatek should make their own decisions instead of moaning.
Earlier this year, Swiatek called out the WTA over the packed tennis schedule, telling Sky Sports: “Obviously it’s not our decision but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It’s not going to end well and it makes tennis less fun for us, let’s just say.”
After skipping the Asian swing, the five-time Grand Slam champion returned to action at the WTA Finals where she said the women’s tour was “listening to us much more” and had improved their communication with players.
But Muguruza believes there is no reason to complain, claiming the schedule offered opportunities to players even if it was relentless.
“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,” the former world No. 1 told The National.
“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.”
Instead of raising an issue, the two-time Grand Slam champion wants to see top players decide when to take a break. She continued: “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. Especially if you’re winning a lot of matches, you’re like, okay, maybe I should relax here, maybe I should go harder here.”
However, players are penalised if they try to take matters into their own hands and skip required tournaments. This year, there have been 20 mandatory events for those ranked high enough to enter the draw.
All four Grand Slams, all 10 WTA 1000s and six of the WTA 500 events are compulsory for players whose rankings would get them direct acceptance into the main draws. And players like Swiatek have already been punished for skipping tournaments to rest.
The Pole lost her world No. 1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka when both women had points removed from their rankings for failing to play enough WTA 500s. Swiatek dropped more points so she fell to No. 2 in the world, allowing Sabalenka to overtake her.
