Swiatek had previously critiqued the length of the WTA tour’s schedule this year, calling it “exhausting,” and advocating for the relaxation of tournaments that players are required to enter. Beijing is one of 10 WTA 1000 tournaments on the tour calendar in 2024, the rung below the Grand Slams, which are mandatory for players to enter if they qualify directly by ranking.
In Cincinnati, she said the packed calendar, which this year also included the Olympics, makes “tennis less fun” for players.
“We deserve to rest a little bit more,” she added, though when asked at the US Open about whether she would take an extended hiatus to “refresh,” she balked at the idea.
“I don’t think it would make sense. If you’re out of tour, then it’s pretty hard to come back,” she said after losing in New York. “I don’t want to take a break. It’s tough. It could be a little bit easier, but I’m keeping up with the schedule. I’m only talking about mandatory tournaments and there are rules about mandatory tournaments. But I’m ready for playing [until] November, I guess, unless I’m going to get injured.”
Eight of the WTA’s Top 10 in the world rankings as of this week are expected to play in Beijing, including Australian Open and US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, who will be the top seed. No. 9 Maria Sakkari joins Swiatek on the sidelines as a result of a continuing shoulder injury.
