Is Billie Jean King pointing out double standards in the sport? Ahead of the BJK Cup, the American legend has been providing her candid take on ‘hot topics’ streaming at an all-time high this season. Apart from Italian Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy, players have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the hectic touring schedule, but, King disagrees. The vet took a sharp swipe at players lamenting the much-criticized ATP and WTA calendar.

The American superstar has been quite vocal about a majority of topics in tennis. After lifting women’s tennis to an esteemed level and fighting to achieve pay equality, King did not particularly snub the Saudi-WTA collab. Though she acknowledged that the Kingdom is accused of ‘sport washing’ after facing heavy criticism for its stance on women’s rights, she wished “to see a female player come out of the Middle East as the number one in the world as she could influence in a huge way”. Now, she has dropped her comments on the jam-packed tournament schedule.

Stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, have highlighted how the overwhelming year-long touring commitment takes a toll on players, all the while iterating that a packed calendar does a number on their physical strength – forcing players into abrupt withdrawals or sustaining injuries. However, the 80-year-old believes that players shouldn’t crib about the schedule if they are happy minting money at exhibition events and playing when it favors their agenda.

While talking to BBC correspondent Russell Fuller, she said: “It’s interesting that tennis players always complain that the season is too long. They have always done it but then they have a month off and go and play exhibitions. You said you needed rest. Don’t say you think the season is too long and then if there is enough money they go and play. For me, it is really difficult to listen to what the players say.”

For now, despite King’s critical comments, some players will have to hit pause on their touring commitment. It’s all relative, a little disappointing though, but, the BJK Cup is delayed.

Billie Jean King Cup schedule affected due to harsh weather conditions

Fans were ready and excited to witness Spain take on Poland on the inaugural day of the Billie Jean King Cup. However, those expectations were watered down when the authorities announced that the event had been postponed. After acknowledging a problematic weather alert following heavy rains washing out eastern Spain and displacing thousands of people this past month, the organizers thought it was best to push the dates a little further.

In a post on X, the event’s general announcement read: “Due to severe weather alert issued by local and regional authorities, the 2024 BJK Cup first-round tie between Spain and Poland, originally scheduled for today, November 13 at 5 PM, has been postponed. The tie will now take place on Friday, November 15, starting 10 AM.”

Regardless of the unsettling update, fans are looking forward to the BJK Cup and the Davis Cup Final 8. Seeing as both the events share a common arena in Malaga, Spain, enthusiasts are awaiting Rafael Nadal’s farewell celebration at the annual team event later this month.

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