World number one Aryna Sabalenka says tennis authorities are “following their interests” when it comes to tennis schedules rather than “focusing on protecting us all”.
Players have expressed concerns about the schedule in recent months, saying it is too long and too intense.
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The women’s tour’s leading players are expected to compete in at least 20 mandatory events – four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 events and six WTA 500 events.
Belarusian Sabalenka said that in order to protect her body, she will miss some events this year.
“This season has been absolutely crazy, you see so many players injured,” Sabalenka said after her 6-3 6-3 win over Sorana Sistia at the Brisbane International.
“The ball was heavy, so it was difficult for all of us.”
Sabalenka and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek had ranking points deducted for not playing enough WTA 500 events last season.
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I skipped a few games to protect my body because I struggled last season,” Sabalenka, 27, added.
“Even though the results were really solid, there were some games where I was completely sick or I was exhausted from playing too much.
“We will try to manage it better this season, although they will fine me in the end.”
The WTA Tour said player welfare will “always be a top priority”.
Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka says she is “definitely not at her peak” as she prepares for the Australian Open, where she aims to win her third title in four years.
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“Of course I prefer to win every match 6-0 6-0, like everyone does, but you only get better when someone pushes you,” said the four-time Grand Slam singles champion.
Sabalenka lost to Madison Keys in last year’s Melbourne final.
Elena Rybakina continued her strong form from last year, winning nine of the last 11 games to defeat Spain’s Paula Badosa 6-3 6-2.
2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina Rybakina of Kazakhstan became one of the title challengers in Melbourne after defeating Sabalenka in the season-ending WTA Finals.
She will face Czech Karolina Muchova for a spot in the Brisbane semi-finals.
At the same time, the 2024 Australian Open runner-up and Chinese player Zheng Qinwen withdrew from this year’s first Grand Slam event as he is still recovering from elbow surgery.
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The Olympic gold medalist wrote on Instagram: “Winning a Grand Slam requires players to be in extreme form.”
“I’m not at the best I’ve set for myself yet.”
In the men’s event in Brisbane, Britain’s Cameron Norrie lost in the second round to American world No. 58 Alexander Kovacevic 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-4.
In Auckland, former British number one Katie Boulter lost to Ukrainian Elena Svitolina 7-5, 6-4 in a tight second-round match.