'We play way too much' – Potapova joins Swiatek in criticizing WTA schedule

Scheduling on the WTA has become a hot talking point in recent months with several high-profile stars - including Swiatek and Elena Rybakina - critical of the number of 'mandatory' tournaments for players.

The WTA's top players are expected to compete at all four Grand Slam tournaments, all 10 WTA 1000-level events, and then a further six WTA 500 events following new rules introduced in 2024.

Swiatek has been an outspoken critic of the requirements, and at one point claimed players struggled to "live peacefully" amid the hectic schedule.

"It would be easy to fix for people who are in charge," said Swiatek, ahead of the 2024 US Open. "But they already made plenty of decisions and they promised so many things to tournaments.

"I mean, WTA, for example, that it would mean for them to change their mind, which is tricky because it's business.

"But I think players are aware that this is crazy what's going on and the schedule is really tough.

"I spoke about it in Cincinnati, for example, and there are people saying that I don't have to play so many tournaments.

"But truth to the fact is that we have so many mandatory tournaments that we literally need to show up and we don't have time to work on stuff or live peacefully because from one tournament we're going straight to another."

Swiatek's remarks have attracted some criticism, but a significant number of players have expressed similar sentiments.

Among the latest to do so is World No 33 Potapova, who is currently in action at the Linz Open - a WTA 500-level event.

It is already the third tournament of 2025 for the Russian, who reached the round of 16 at the Brisbane International before a second-round defeat at the Australian Open.

Speaking amid her campaign in Linz, the 23-year-old claimed tennis players played "way too much", and said it was "difficult" for her team to organise an appropriate schedule.

"We play way too much, even if you compare it to other sports," said Potapova. "We play non-stop, week after week. If you stay at home five days in two months, it's really good.

"The tight schedule and logistics involved are not great. In one week you can play in Dubai, then in Europe, Asia, and Australia. It's difficult, but I have a team that builds my schedule so that I don't die from overload.

"There is not much time to rest, but I must emphasize that it would be a sin to complain about such a life."

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