World number one Aryna Sabalenka has criticised tennis authorities over the demanding tour calendar, saying players are not being properly protected from burnout and injury.
Players raise workload concerns
Top players on the women’s tour are expected to compete in at least 20 mandatory tournaments each season, including four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 events and six WTA 500 tournaments, according to the WTA Tour structure.
Sabalenka said she plans to skip some competitions this year to protect her body after struggling with fatigue last season.
Sabalenka speaks after Brisbane win
Following her 6-3, 6-3 victory over Sorana Cirstea at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka said the schedule was “insane” and pointed to the rising number of injuries on tour.
“The season is definitely insane, and you see so many players getting injured,” Sabalenka said, as quoted by the WTA Tour. She also highlighted the physical demands caused by heavier tennis balls.
Sabalenka and world number two Iga Swiatek were previously deducted ranking points for not playing the required number of WTA 500 events, according to the WTA.
WTA responds on player welfare
The WTA Tour stated that player welfare will “always remain a top priority”, as shared in an official statement.
Australian Open build-up
The four-time Grand Slam champion admitted she is not at her peak form yet as she prepares for the Australian Open, where she is chasing a third title in four years.
“I’m definitely not at my peak,” Sabalenka said, adding that tough matches help players improve, according to WTA quotes.
Rybakina continues strong form
Elena Rybakina extended her impressive run with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Paula Badosa. The Wimbledon 2022 champion had earlier defeated Sabalenka at the WTA Finals, as per tournament records.
Rybakina will next face Karolina Muchova for a place in the Brisbane semi-finals.
Zheng withdraws from Australian Open
China’s Zheng Qinwen has pulled out of the Australian Open as she continues recovery from elbow surgery, according to her Instagram post.
“To play a Grand Slam requires extreme competitive condition,” Zheng wrote on social media.
Other results
In the men’s event in Brisbane, Britain’s Cameron Norrie lost 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-4 to American Aleksandar Kovacevic, as per official match data.
Meanwhile, in Auckland, Katie Boulter was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the second round.
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