Copyright Essentially Sports
Even the biggest names in tennis can hit unexpected roadblocks when the sport turns bureaucratic. This year, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, and Madison Keys all ran into trouble with the WTA for skipping mandatory tournaments. For fans, it feels surprising how players so dominant on the court stumble off it. The rules are clear: All WTA players need to participate in at least six WTA 500 events throughout their seasonal competition. Players who fail to meet their six-event requirement will lose their accumulated points from other tournaments through ‘zeroing out.’ This year, Sabalenka, Swiatek, Gauff, and Anisimova played only three, while Keys managed four. The penalties hit differently: Swiatek lost 65 points, Keys 54, and the Sabalenka, Gauff, and Anisimova each lost 10. For Swiatek, it’s familiar territory; last year, a similar penalty cost her the World No. 1 spot. The numbers are sharp, but the story behind them goes deeper than rankings. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The main problem stems from the demanding schedule that tennis players must follow. The combination of Grand Slam events and continuous traveling, and media duties makes it difficult for players to find time for rest. According to Swiatek, “I don’t think any top player will actually be able to achieve this…playing six 500 tournaments is just impossible to squeeze in.” With the increased player pushback against the tour schedule, players choose to skip events to protect their health and avoid burnout. Yet the WTA’s message is clear: rules exist for a reason, and breaking them has consequences. This is a developing story…
