Iga Swiatek speaks about a rough tennis schedule at WTA.

Iga Swiatek has spoken about the hectic WTA Tour schedule, saying that players are “pushed to the limit”. The 20-year-old was set to represent Poland at the WTA event in Madrid but she has announced she will no longer be taking part.

Swiatek made the decision after her Roland Garros win, in which she became the first Polish player to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy. Speaking about the WTA Tour schedule, Swiatek said: “I think we’re pushed to the limit. I don’t think it’s healthy, to be honest.

“I’m not the only one who feels that way. I think a lot of players feel like they’re on the edge all the time. I understand that many of you will think that I am not a professional enough and I should just deal with it,” Swiatek wrote. “But this is my life and I need to take care of my body and mental health first.”

“It’s a pity I can’t go to the WTA Finals this year because of the tight schedule,” said Swiatek. “I’m happy that I will have some time to rest after a very long and tiring season.”

The WTA Tour has been plagued by scheduling issues throughout the pandemic, with many tournaments forced to either cancel or postpone their events. Swiatek is just the latest star to pull out of an event due to the hectic schedule, with world No. 1 Ash Barty and former US Open champion Naomi Osaka both withdrawing from the WTA Finals.

It remains to be seen how the WTA Tour will adapt its schedule for 2022, but it is clear that something needs to change in order to protect the health of the players.