At the China Open, Iga Świątek and Zheng Qinwen recently offered contrasting takes on the WTA’s scheduling. While the Pole called it “pretty crazy”, Zheng Qinwen, who retired during her match at the WTA 1000 event, had a different opinion.
Zheng Qinwen Makes Feelings Clear On WTA’s Mandatory Schedule
Zheng, who retired in the third round at Beijing after re-injuring her elbow, played down concerns over the WTA’s packed calendar on Sunday, saying that the tour’s demands are simply part of the job for elite athletes.
The Chinese player’s comments came after Iga Świątek had earlier described the WTA requirements as “crazy” for the top players. Zheng, however, suggested her own circumstances were very different.
“This is part of the games. As a professional player, I mean, this is what it is because we have to play that many tournament because there is in the calendar. I am coming from surgery, which is really rush decision for me to playing here, but also is the right decision for me because I want to see where my body is right now. Okay, now I know to compete third set, the amount of hitting the balls is too much for me,” Zheng said.
“I don’t think for professional player the calendar is too much. Because the strongest players survive, and that’s the rules in my head,” she added.
Iga Świątek Has Explained Why She Has A Problem With WTA’s Mandatory Schedule
Świątek has raised concerns over the demands placed on the tour’s top players, calling the WTA’s mandatory requirements “pretty crazy.”
Świątek advanced to the China Open’s fourth round after Camila Osorio retired with an abdominal injury following a 6-0 first set. After the match, Świątek voiced concern over the WTA’s mandatory requirements, admitting she may have to change her approach in the future.
“For me, like, I don’t know yet how my career is going to look like in couple years. Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, even though they are mandatory. Yeah, like WTA with all these mandatory rules, they made this pretty crazy for us,” the Pole said.
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Świątek, who won last week’s Korea Open in Seoul, next plays Emma Navarro in the fourth round of the China Open. As for Zheng, she is next scheduled to compete at the Wuhan Open.
MORE: Iga Świątek Lashes Out at Scheduling and WTA Rules After Opponent Retires During China Open 3R
