Iga Swiatek: Players are united in seeking changes from WTA

CANCUN, Mexico — Iga Swiatek, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1 ranked player, has expressed the increasing unity among women’s tennis players as they collectively strive for changes and improvements on the WTA Tour to prioritize the well-being of athletes.

In a recent victory against US Open champion Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals, Swiatek stated, “We are not happy with some things.” Players have raised concerns through a letter addressed to WTA CEO Steve Simon and through two meetings with tour leadership. Their concerns include a guaranteed income, coverage for maternity leave and injury absences, and objections to planned changes in rules governing mandatory tournament appearances.

Swiatek emphasized the need for the WTA to prioritize the well-being and health of players, suggesting that certain changes could be made without negatively affecting tournaments or pre-existing agreements. She expressed optimism about the unity among players and their desire to make a lasting impact.

In response to the players’ concerns, Simon addressed the matter in a letter obtained by The Associated Press. He stated that working groups consisting of representatives from the WTA board, tournament council, and players’ council are currently reviewing scheduling and tournament standards, with recommendations expected to be made soon. The letter outlined several areas under consideration, including late-night matches, tennis ball consistency throughout the season, anti-doping and integrity measures, and marketing and social media efforts.

Simon assured the players that progress is being made and that there is alignment in addressing their concerns. He pledged to provide an update in the coming weeks.

Swiatek, along with other players such as Ons Jabeur and Coco Gauff, emphasized their unity and shared perspective on the need for change. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of spectators at the WTA Finals, attributing it to the late decision to hold the season-ending championship in Cancun and calling for better marketing efforts.

Furthermore, Swiatek and other players criticized the temporary hard court, set up on a golf course, for its quality and limited availability for practice. After her victory, Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked player, referred to the conditions as “another level of disrespect.” These concerns have been echoed by multiple players throughout the event, highlighting the need for improvements.

Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova also stressed the importance of using their voices to shed light on the situation and raise awareness.