In a fiery response to Iga Swiatek’s recent comments on the jam-packed WTA calendar, former two-time Grand Slam champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov didn’t hold back in criticizing the young Pole. Referring to Swiatek as “a complainer,” Kafelnikov went one step further by suggesting that she “deserves to get paid less” for her complaints.
Swiatek’s grueling match against 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the Cincinnati quarterfinals, which lasted two and a half hours, showcased her resilience on the court. However, it also highlighted the physical toll of a demanding tournament schedule. This match marked Swiatek’s 61st appearance on the court in 2024 during her 13th tournament of the year.
After her hard-fought victory, Swiatek spoke out about the challenges of the current tennis calendar, expressing her concerns about the number of tournaments players are required to compete in. In a statement to Sky Sports, Swiatek voiced her frustration, saying, “So what can I say I’ve been kind of an advocate, saying that well, we shouldn’t be pushing and pushing for us to play more. Obviously, it’s not our decision, but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season.”
The 23-year-old Pole’s comments illuminated the ongoing debate within the tennis community about the toll of a packed schedule on players’ physical and mental well-being. Swiatek’s plea for more rest and a reevaluation of the current format resonated with many top players who have long been advocating for changes to the calendar.
This isn’t the first time Swiatek has raised concerns about the demanding nature of the professional tennis circuit. Over the years, she and other top players have repeatedly called for changes in the calendar to prioritize player health and performance. The growing chorus of voices highlighting the need for reform suggests that the current system may need a closer look to ensure the well-being of athletes on tour.