Iga Swiatek acknowledged that the WTA cannot affect weather conditions during tournaments but added that they “need to focus more on what is healthy for the players” after Elena Rybakina’s criticism. Due to rain and scheduling delays, Rybakina ended her quarterfinal match in Montreal against Daria Kasatkina around 3 a.m. Saturday morning.
Due to the rain, Rybakina was unable to play in her Montreal semifinal last Saturday. After taking to the court on Sunday and losing to Liudmila Samsonova, Rybakina called the WTA leadership “weak.” Also, Rybakina admitted that she “took some injuries” and felt “destroyed” after 3 a.m. and went to bed at 5 a.m.
Swiatek on Rybakina criticizing the WTA
“For sure, weather is something that we cannot predict, but maybe we should focus more on what is healthy for players because we compete every week. The tour is very intense in travel and never two days of calm and does not work well in the future to focus on the players, especially next year when there are many mandatory tournaments and longer tournaments. Swiatek said in Cincinnati, via tennis.com.Swiatek, who also finished last during the clay WTA 1000 tournaments in Madrid and Rome, revealed that she asked the WTA to see how many people actually watch tennis matches to begin with at 10 p.m.
According to Swiatek, he did not receive a response from the WTA. “During the clay season, in Rome and Madrid, I played four matches that ended close to or after midnight. I understand that we have to adjust the broadcasters and everything, but I also asked the WTA for some data to know if people are watching the matches that start at 10PM.
I didn’t get anything, but it’s easier to understand that it makes sense to play later,” said Swiatek.