Tennis

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, has sparked a debate about the demanding WTA schedule. Swiatek, who has won five titles this year including the French Open, criticized the congested calendar, stating that it makes tennis less enjoyable and is unsustainable for players."I've been kind of an advocate in saying that we shouldn't, I don’t know… be pushing and pushing for us to play more," Swiatek told SkySports. "Obviously it is not our decision, but for sure I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It makes tennis less fun for us. Obviously I love playing in all these places, but it’s pretty exhausting. I don’t think it should be like that because we deserve to rest a little bit more. Maybe people are going to hate me for that."Swiatek's comments have sparked a debate about the physical and mental demands placed on professional tennis players. Former tennis star Yevgeny Kafelnikov sharply criticized Swiatek on social media, suggesting that her complaints were unwarranted and even arguing that she should be paid less for expressing such views."Is someone pushing you to play ??? All you fricking do is complain!! I’ll tell you what you deserve ! You deserve to get paid a lot less than you do now!! How about that??" Kafelnikov posted on X.However, many players have expressed similar frustrations with the tennis calendar, which often leaves little room for rest. The pressure to maintain rankings and secure earnings forces players to compete in more tournaments than might be advisable for their health. This grueling schedule can lead to injuries and burnout, ultimately shortening careers.Tennis journalist Bastien Fachan defended Swiatek, saying, "She's way more successful at 23 than you were in your entire career, sit this one out champ."Another fan said, "How can a former pro talk such sh*t. You should be ashamed of yourself. You can only dream of achieving what she already has. What she has said is 100% correct and speaking out is not complaining."Daria Kasatkina, another prominent player, came to Swiatek's defense, pointing out the significant differences in earnings between past and present players.The debate over the WTA schedule is likely to continue, as players balance the desire to compete with the need for rest and recovery.

Daniil Medvedev, the former world No. 1, recently revealed his dream dinner party guests from tennis history: Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe, and Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Medvedev emphasized that he would prioritize honest conversations about life rather than tennis.Medvedev's choice of Djokovic stems from his desire to delve into the Serbian's mindset and perspectives. McEnroe, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, would bring a unique and entertaining element to the table. Kafelnikov, a former Roland Garros and Olympic gold medalist, could provide valuable insights on navigating a demanding clay-court season.Medvedev's recent success on clay, including a Masters 1000 victory in Rome and two second-week appearances in Paris, suggests that he may be approaching the form necessary to make his dream dinner party a reality.During his third-round victory at the French Open, Medvedev experienced a peculiar incident involving an injured pigeon. The bird's presence on the court provided a brief respite, allowing Medvedev to catch his breath and regain focus.Medvedev's ability to adapt to different surfaces and his growing comfort on clay indicate that he is a serious contender for this year's Roland Garros title. Should he continue his impressive run, he may soon have the opportunity to share a meal with his tennis idols and engage in the thought-provoking conversations he desires.