Coco Gauff has joined calls for a reduction in the length of the tennis season, saying it is “impossible” for players to take on any more tournaments than they already do. Her comments come just a day after world number two Iga Swiatek criticized the sport’s demanding schedule.
Speaking after reaching the quarter-finals of the China Open on Tuesday, Gauff pointed to the growing strain on players’ bodies, with five competitors forced to retire injured from matches on Monday alone.
“With more and more events stretching to two weeks, it doesn’t make sense to put that much strain on your body,” said the 21-year-old American, currently ranked world number three. “I’d like to see, during my career, a solution that makes the season shorter.”
Gauff, the defending China Open champion and a two-time Grand Slam winner, echoed Swiatek’s warning that mandatory participation in numerous tournaments risks damaging players’ health.
Since last year, the Women’s Tennis Association has required top players to compete in all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 events including Beijing and six 500-level tournaments.
“I guess from a business standpoint it makes sense, but from a player’s health standpoint I don’t agree,” Gauff said. “I’ve basically played as much tennis as I possibly can.”
Swiatek had earlier described the WTA’s rules as “pretty crazy,” hinting she may skip some mandatory events to prioritize her well-being.
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