Muchova supports complaints about the calendar: "There are many stupid rules"
The Czech player spoke about the length of the season and pointed to the "stupid rules" of the WTA as a spur for many players to choose to skip certain tournaments.
Years will pass, and the long calendar of the tennis season will continue to be a center of interest and a subject of debate for players and fans. The latest to speak out on this issue is one of the most unique players on the circuit, Karolina Muchova, who has dealt with injuries almost naturally and raises her voice to demand a change regarding the wear and demands of a season that offers no respite.
She did so in an interview with Forbes in which she also talked about the constant changes a player must cope with, necessary changes in the midst of a routine that can become exhausting. The problem? The compulsory nature of important tournaments, with rules that Muchova describes as "stupid" and that force many players to compete in events when they are not at 100% physically.
"The season is extreme. The rules are very strict: we have six mandatory WTA 500 tournaments, all WTA 1000 tournaments, most of which last two weeks, plus the Grand Slams. If I had to do everything without penalties, I would fly to Australia and not return home until November," points out Muchova, who continues her argument with a strong criticism of the WTA rules. "Sometimes you play even when injured to avoid fines or penalties, it happened to me this year. There are many stupid rules. The top players are skipping tournaments more frequently to preserve their health."
Muchova calls for an increase in prize money based on the earnings accumulated by the Grand Slams
The PTPA has shed light on many structural issues in this sport, including the very low percentage of earnings that the Grand Slams distribute to the players. In this regard, the Czech is clear: the tournaments are getting longer, tennis is more physical... but earnings remain stagnant. "Now almost all the Grand Slams start on Sunday, which means an extra day of earnings for them. Compared to other sports, the amount we receive is very low. People will read that the winner of the US Open pockets five million dollars, but if you add the players from the qualifying rounds, it's a two-hundredth player," the Czech points out precisely.
The solution? Very difficult to find and, in Muchova's words, a spiral that is almost impossible to break free from. "That's how tennis is set up. As a player, you can't skip the tournament circuit if you want to stay competitive. You have to keep traveling, playing, defending points. When we talk about it among ourselves, we all feel the same way," Karolina begins to confess, echoing a sense of frustration that seems to be growing in the locker room.
"A full calendar is impossible to handle long-term without affecting your health, especially your mental health. Every year something new is added, the pace is very strict. Finding gaps in the calendar is almost impossible: it has been a very long struggle, but finally it is starting to be discussed more. Health should be a priority," concludes Karolina, calling for a break in the midst of chaos.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Muchova secunda las quejas por el calendario: "Hay muchas reglas estúpidas"