Swiatek feeling the WTA scheduling pinch

A weekend title in Madrid and a rush to Rome for the mid-week start of the Masters 1000 has left Iga Swiatek yearning for the comparative luxury of one-week events.

But that old school style looks to be extinct as the WTA and ATP conspire to extend the elite Masters events to nearly a fortnight apiece.

While the controversial format means days of rest between matches – as in the Grand Slams – it also takes away precious down time which formerly existed between tournaments.

The spring run-up to Roland Garros seems particularly packed out, with 13- days of play at both Madrid and Rome.

Swiatek said on Tuesday that strategies have to be shifted to cope with the relentless pace.

“Overall, the Tour is getting more and more demanding because of the length of the tournaments and all these mandatory rules, both on ATP and WTA,” the world No. 1 said.

“Scheduling-wise, the planning is going to be more important, sometimes even (missing) some tournaments that are important for you, for you to be ready for the next one.”

The 2021 and 2022 champion at the Foro Italico said the calendar squeeze is massive.

“Even if I win (a tournament), it doesn’t stick in my head. I celebrate for one day, then I’m off to another tournament in my head.

“We because really we don’t have time to rest properly. You have to use these days (between long-running events) and treat them a little bit like days off.

“These tournaments are longer and it’s not possible to have days off (like)  before, so sometimes you have to have them during.”