Elena Rybakina Criticizes Lengthy Schedules at Madrid and Italian Opens: ‘It’s Becoming a Bit Boring’
Elena Rybakina, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has openly criticized the extended two-week schedules of the Madrid Open and Italian Open, expressing concerns about the physical and mental toll on players. The Kazakh world No. 4 highlighted the challenges posed by these back-to-back WTA 1000 events leading up to the French Open.
A Grueling Schedule
Rybakina described the back-to-back tournaments as “becoming a bit boring” due to the repetitive routines and extended stays. She emphasized that while events like Indian Wells and Miami have longer durations, they don’t precede a Grand Slam, making the scheduling of Madrid and Rome particularly taxing.
Sportske
Health Concerns and Withdrawal
The demanding schedule took a toll on Rybakina’s health, leading to her withdrawal from the Italian Open due to illness. This decision came shortly after she voiced her frustrations about the WTA’s scheduling policies, which she feels force players into a relentless cycle of tournaments without adequate rest.
Sportskeeda
Calls for Change
Rybakina has been vocal about the need for reform in the tennis calendar. She believes that the current system is heading in the “wrong direction” and that the governing bodies should reconsider the scheduling of back-to-back mandatory events. Despite her efforts to initiate change, she acknowledges the difficulty in altering established practices.
Tennishead
Looking Ahead
As the tennis season progresses, Rybakina’s concerns highlight the broader issue of player welfare amidst a packed tournament calendar. Her candidness serves as a reminder of the physical and mental challenges faced by athletes at the top of their game.
Tennishead
For more insights into Rybakina’s perspective on the tennis calendar and player well-being, you can listen to the full interview here:
