Former world No 1 at odds with Iga Swiatek with no ‘reason to complain’ schedule verdict
Garbine Muguruza believes there is no “reason to complain” about scheduling in tennis despite high-profile criticism from stars across the ATP and WTA Tours.
Grand Slam winners such as Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, and Elena Rybakina have spoken out on the demands of the calendar across 2024.
WTA players are currently expected to play at least twenty events, with all four Grand Slams, all 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, and six WTA 500-level tournaments classed as ‘mandatory’.
However former world No 1 Muguruza, who officially retired earlier this season, took a different view to the likes of Swiatek and Rybakina.
Speaking to The National ahead of the WTA Finals, where she is the tournament director, the Spaniard claimed it was “great” that there were so many tournaments for players.
She said: “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.
“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.
WTA Tour News
Aryna Sabalenka sent ‘difficult’ warning by Elena Rybakina ahead of WTA Finals showdown
Goran Ivanisevic reveals reasons behind Elena Rybakina coaching decision
“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: ‘OK, maybe I should relax here, maybe I should go harder here.'”
WTA scheduling has been a hot talking point throughout 2024, particularly concerning five-time major champion Swiatek.
The Pole’s failure to play the required mandatory events has seen the tour remove ranking points, ultimately contributing to her fall from the world No 1 ranking last month.
“Our calendar is crazy, probably the toughest one in sports,” said Swiatek back in August.
“There are sports that are really tough because, physically, you might get beat up. But most sports have four months off, sometimes even six.
“Our schedule is crazy, and it’s getting more crazy every year, which is scary. You just have to train wisely.”
World No 2 Swiatek is currently in action at the WTA Finals, with 2021 tournament champion Muguruza taking a leading role at the year-end championships in Riyadh.
“It was unexpected, this opportunity. I wasn’t expecting it,” added the Spaniard.
“I’m so honoured that the WTA thought of me in that way, that they have trusted me with this responsibility; to me it’s a very big deal, just to move from tennis to another perspective, of making events.”
Read Next: The last 8 WTA Finals champions – Will Iga Swiatek be first repeat champion since 2014?
