The number 1 in the world, Iga Swiatek, has criticized to the WTA Tour for its ‘unsafe’ schedule for athletes after the US Open champion withdrew from the Billie Jean King Cup.
Swiatek is having an impressive season in 2022 having won Roland Garros and the US Open to establish herself as the best female tennis player.
However, Swiatek has admitted to being upset with the schedule for Scotland’s Billie Jean King Cup.
The event is being held so close to the WTA Finals that she has been forced to pull out, attributing it to having to travel between different time zones just one day before the year-end tournament.
On Instagram, Swiatek wrote: “I’ve been thinking about it a lot and have discussed it with my team many times but I won’t be able to play the Billie Jean King Cup in Glasgow.”
“And it makes me sad, I’m sorry, because I play with Poland when I can, I always give my best. Playing in Poland this year (in the April qualifiers) was an honor and I hoped to do it again at the end of this season.”
“I am disappointed that the governing bodies of tennis have not reached an agreement on something as basic as the tournament schedule, giving us only one day to travel around the world and change time zones.
“The situation is not safe for our health and can cause us an injury. I am going to talk to the WTA and the ITF so that something changes. The situation is difficult not only for players like me, but mainly for tennis fans who support our sport.”
Tennis world reacts to Iga Swiatek announcement
Swiatek’s decision, while disappointing, has been backed by the tennis world.
Many agree with Swiatek’s comments about the tennis schedule and say other players could be forced to retire.
American doubles great Pam Shriver has backed Swiatek’s decision and criticized the schedule.
The absence of the Roland Garros and US Open champion is a serious blow to the Billie Jean King Cup finals, which will be played between November 8 and 13 at the Emirates Arena.
There are 12 teams participating in the event, including Australia, who will face Slovakia and Belgium in the group stage.
Meanwhile, Swiatek was spotted during a training match with World No.4 Paula Badosa in the Czech Republic.
Switaek faced Ajla Tomljanovic in the round of 16 of the Ostrava Open.
Both players met twice before. Swiatek won both matches.
Riley Morgan
