Sabalenka Slams ‘Insane’ Tennis Calendar, Vows to Skip Events Despite Fines
World number one, Aryna Sabalenka, has criticised tennis authorities over what she describes as a punishing and poorly managed calendar, insisting player welfare is being sidelined in favour of commercial interests.
Speaking after a straight-sets 6-3 6-3 win over Sorana Cirstea at the Brisbane International, the Belarusian said the current schedule is “insane” and contributing to a growing injury crisis on tour.
Players on the women’s circuit are expected to compete in at least 20 mandatory events each season, including four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments and six WTA 500 events; a workload Sabalenka believes is unsustainable.
“The season is definitely insane, and you see so many players getting injured,” Sabalenka said. “It feels like the tennis authorities are following their interests and not really focusing on protecting all of us.
“The balls are quite heavy, so it’s a lot of struggle for all of us.”
Sabalenka revealed she will deliberately reduce her schedule this year to protect her body, even if it results in financial penalties. Last season, she and world number two Iga Swiatek were both docked ranking points for failing to meet the minimum requirement of WTA 500 appearances.
“I’m skipping a couple of events in order to protect my body because I struggled a lot last season,” the 27-year-old explained. “Even though the results were really consistent, some of the tournaments I played completely sick or really exhausted from overplaying.
“This season we will try to manage it a little bit better, even though they are going to fine me by the end.”
Sabalenka’s comments echo growing concerns among top players about the length and intensity of the tennis calendar, which now stretches across most of the year with little recovery time.
In response, the WTA Tour has maintained that player welfare remains central to its planning, stating that it will “always remain a top priority” as discussions around scheduling continue.