Get ready, tennis fans, because Iga Swiatek, the powerhouse who has dominated women's tennis since **2022, is hinting at a major shake-up!** She's considering skipping some mandatory tournaments in 2026, and her reasons might surprise you.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, isn't just a player; she's also a vocal critic of the demanding WTA calendar. She's called it 'too demanding' and, in a recent interview, even hinted at bending the rules to prioritize her well-being and performance. But here's where it gets controversial: she's thinking of missing some tournaments, specifically the ones where she hasn't performed her best.
So, what's the deal? Under WTA rules, top players like Swiatek are obligated to compete in all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, and 6 events from the 500-category, plus the WTA Finals if they qualify. Skipping these is a big deal, so why would she even consider it?
Swiatek explained, "I would like to try missing maybe two tournaments – maybe the ones I feel I haven’t been playing well at anyway – just spending this time on grinding and getting the technique better. I think it will help me also play a little bit better under stress, because my body will remember the proper movements and what it learned during this practice time." She also added, "Mentally, it can give me a lot of confidence, knowing I worked hard. Then I can come to tournaments a little bit better prepared, because for sure, playing all mandatory tournaments now, most players will tell you they’re not always 100% ready to play every one of these.”
In the same interview, Swiatek pointed to the Asian swing as particularly challenging. This suggests she might take extra time off after the US Open. In 2025, she played in 3 tournaments during the Asian swing, winning in Seoul but experiencing setbacks in Beijing and Wuhan.
Swiatek's 2025 season saw her play a total of 79 matches, with an impressive 62-17 record.
This is a bold move, but is it the right one? What do you think about Swiatek's strategy? Do you agree that the WTA calendar is too demanding? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
