Former world number two Ons Jabeur declared she would prioritise herself for a change and take control of her schedule after experiencing depression during a gruelling tour.
Recently, the men’s and women’s circuits have faced criticism for their packed calendars, leading several players including Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, Daria Kasatkina, Elina Svitolina, and Paula Badosa to shorten their seasons.
Three-time Grand Slam runner-up Jabeur, often called the ‘Minister of Happiness’ for her cheerful demeanor, took a hiatus from competitive tennis in July to focus on her well-being.
“The schedule is killing everyone,” she told Sky Sports.
“I hope the tennis community will listen to us and reduce some of the tournaments. It’s overwhelming, like Doha and Dubai.
I want to play there, but two WTA 1000 tournaments in a row? It’s too much. I feel they want to add more, including two-week WTA 1000 tournaments. I don’t know whose idea it was… none of the players like it.”
Reuters has reached out to the WTA for comments.
The WTA has previously stated that athlete welfare is its top priority. It considers views on the calendar through the players’ council and their representatives on the WTA board, aiming to improve the structure in 2024 and enhance compensation.
Under WTA rules, top players must participate in all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, and six WTA 500 events, with penalties in ranking points for missing them.
“I’m done letting the schedule dictate my actions,” Jabeur added. “I’ve suffered a lot, mentally more than physically. My body has been begging for help for a long time, and I didn’t listen. I think I had depression without realizing it, despite being called the ‘Minister of Happiness’. I was sad for a long time. Now, I’m putting myself first. That’s a significant step.”
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