Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one tennis player, has recently voiced her desire for a revision to the Grand Slam calendar. Specifically, she proposes shortening the period between the Australian Open and the French Open, which would, in turn, lengthen the interval between the French Open and Wimbledon.
Sabalenka’s comments followed her loss to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final. Despite this defeat, she immediately participated in the subsequent two Women’s Tennis Association 1000 tournaments in Doha and Dubai. However, her performance was lackluster, resulting in a one-win, two-loss record.
The tennis star rebounded at Indian Wells, securing a promising 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory against McCartney Kessler in her opening match.1 This win seemed to rekindle her enthusiasm for the sport, with Sabalenka admitting she felt “hungry” again, an emotion she confessed was absent during her Middle East tour.
The Belarusian player expressed her fondness for the Indian Wells tournament, likening it to a Grand Slam event.2 She also highlighted the significance of playing back-to-back tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, stating that she enjoys the mental challenge they present.3
However, Sabalenka also raised concerns about the demanding schedule of the Middle East swing.4 She admitted to feeling underprepared and found the season’s start mentally and physically draining.
Sabalenka’s critique extended to the gap between the French Open and Wimbledon. She suggested that the Grand Slam events could be better scheduled to provide players with more adequate preparation time.
The three-time Grand Slam champion expressed her appreciation for the March tournaments and those held in cities like Rome and Madrid.5 However, she believes that a minor adjustment to the schedule could significantly benefit the players.
Sabalenka, who has won the Australian Open twice and the US Open once, has an impressive track record. However, her performances at the French Open and Wimbledon have been comparatively modest, reaching the semifinals only once and twice, respectively.
Despite her critique of the current schedule, Sabalenka maintains a positive attitude, stating, “it is how it is.” Her candid insights into the demanding world of professional tennis offer a unique perspective on the sport and the challenges faced by athletes. While her proposed changes may not be implemented immediately, they provide valuable considerations for tournament organizers worldwide.
