World number one Aryna Sabalenka has criticised tennis authorities for what she described as putting their own interests ahead of players’ wellbeing, particularly in relation to the crowded tennis calendar.
In recent months, several players have spoken out about the demanding nature of the schedule, which many believe has become excessively long and physically taxing.
Under current regulations, top female players are required to compete in at least 20 mandatory tournaments each season, including four Grand Slams, ten WTA 1000 events and six WTA 500 tournaments.
The Belarusian star said she intends to skip some competitions this year in order to protect her health.
“The season is absolutely crazy, and we’re seeing a lot of players getting injured,” Sabalenka said after her 6-3, 6-3 victory over Sorana Cirstea at the Brisbane International.
“The balls are quite heavy, which makes things difficult for everyone.”
Both Sabalenka and world number two Iga Swiatek were docked ranking points last season for failing to meet the minimum requirement of appearances in WTA 500 events.
“I’m skipping a few tournaments to take care of my body because last season was very challenging,” the 27-year-old said.
“Even though my results were consistent, I was often competing while sick or completely worn out from playing too much.
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“This season, we’re trying to manage things better, even if that means facing penalties.”
The WTA Tour has maintained that player welfare will “always be a top priority.”
“How can tennis avoid pushing players to breaking point while still protecting them?” Sabalenka questioned.
The four-time Grand Slam champion also admitted she is “definitely not at her best” as she prepares for the Australian Open, where she hopes to claim her third title in four years.
“Of course, I’d love to win every match 6-0, 6-0, like anyone else,” she said. “But you only improve when you’re pushed.”
Sabalenka was beaten by Madison Keys in last year’s final in Melbourne.
Elsewhere, Elena Rybakina continued her impressive form from last season, winning nine of the final eleven games in a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Spain’s Paula Badosa.
The Kazakh player, who won Wimbledon in 2022, also defeated Sabalenka at the season-ending WTA Finals and is expected to be among the top contenders in Melbourne. She will face Karolina Muchova for a place in the Brisbane semi-finals.
Meanwhile, China’s Zheng Qinwen, last year’s Australian Open runner-up, has withdrawn from this year’s tournament as she continues her recovery from elbow surgery.
“Playing a Grand Slam requires peak physical condition,” the Olympic gold medallist wrote on Instagram. “I haven’t reached that level yet.”
In the men’s event in Brisbane, Britain’s Cameron Norrie exited in the second round after a 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-4 loss to American Aleksandar Kovacevic.
In Auckland, former British number one Katie Boulter was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in a tightly contested second-round match.
