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‘Beating Our Heads Against the Wall’ – Iga Swiatek Shows Leadership Skills in a Serious Message to the WTA as Problems Continue to Rise

Published 11/02/2023, 3:55 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is facing severe backlash for its decisions. Players expressed their displeasure when WTA changed the rules for performance byes overnight. Elena Rybakina openly voiced her concerns against the bizarre change. Scheduling games is another issue that has been a problem for months. Stars like Coco Gauf, Aryna Sabalenka, and especially Iga Swiatek have repeatedly raised their concerns against the brutal scheduling.

Be it the Grand Slams or tour-level tournaments, the WTA received harsh criticism for its gruesome scheduling of matches. Recently, Swiatek expressed concerns over the functioning of WTA and how players are being snubbed.

Iga Swiatek reveals why WTA’s way of functioning is pressurizing

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WTA stars are having a hard time adjusting to the sudden shift in the gameplay. The change of balls, the location of tournaments, the scheduling, and performance byes have extracted negative reactions from almost everyone. The WTA Finals location, Cancun, in Mexico, also witnessed displeasing reactions due to the weather conditions and unfinished stadium constructions.

Amidst all this, Swiatek revealed that the WTA makes its own decisions, and players are not consulted before drawing a conclusion. The Pole defeated Gauff with ease in straight sets of 6-0, 7-5 in her second match at the WTA Finals. During the post-match conference, the former World No.1 shared how players are getting impacted due to the gruesome scheduling.

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Keeping the next season, especially the Australian Open, in mind, Swiatek said, “We are participating in a season that is very taxing, and the next one will be even more intense. We feel like we’re beating our heads against the wall. Everything has already been decided without consulting us.”

‘Gonna Be Tough for Me to Continue’ – Worrying Signs for WTA as Trailblazer Iga Swiatek’s Candid Comments Reflect Harsh Reality

The Pole elaborated, ”We are looking for a solution how we can reach a compromise. It would be nice if the WTA shared its plans with us before making decisions.” The WTA has included top champions on the board before the US Open to finalize the decisions but Swiatek revealed how it did not make any difference while reminding the organization of its purpose.

WTA faces the wrath of champions for its little regard for the star players

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Swiatek revealed that WTA held meetings before the US Open only to inform the players about the changes. The 22-year-old revealed that there was no voting, and changes were implemented without considering inputs from the players.

via Reuters

The Pole also said that WTA’s communication is not clear, and players had a hard time wrapping their heads around it. But the players finally came together, and the criticism is only increasing. Players feel obligated to adhere to the new changes amidst the constant pressure to be the best and on top of their game.

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Swiatek also revealed that she was thankful to find some time to relax before the start of next season. The Pole has a 10-day vacation planned before she readies herself to train in Abu Dhabi or Dubai in December. Swiatek is in her best form and will face Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in her next game.

WATCH THIS STORY: Dissecting Coco Gauff’s Beijing Defeat, American Tennis Legend Draws Serena Williams Parallel To Explain Íga Swiatek’s ‘Revenge’ Against The Teenager

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Written by:

Krishna Priya

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Vadlamani Krishna Priya is a tennis writer at Essentially Sports. Pursuing her passion for storytelling, she has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Helped by her cousin who introduced her to the rules and regulations of the game during her childhood, Roger Federer matches became Priya's gateway to the world of tennis.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas