World number one Aryna Sabalenka has criticized tennis authorities for a schedule she calls “insane,” accusing them of prioritizing commercial interests over player safety.
Following her 6-3 6-3 win over Sorana Cirstea at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka announced she will skip mandatory events this season to avoid the “exhaustion” and injuries that plagued her last year—despite the certainty of facing heavy fines and point deductions.
“The season is definitely insane… they follow their interests and are not focusing on protecting all of us,” Sabalenka said, noting that she often played while “completely sick” last season.
Her comments come as the tour faces increasing scrutiny over player burnout.
The pressure of the 20-event mandatory schedule has already claimed casualties; Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen recently withdrew from the upcoming Australian Open following elbow surgery, stating she could not meet the “extreme competitive condition” required.
