WTA Finals winner Elena Rybakina can testify to the busy tennis schedule professionals have to manage.
Just recently, Aryna Sabalenka openly criticized the WTA’s calendar, calling it “insane” as top players don’t get enough time to let their bodies heal. Sabalenka added that she is ready to skip several WTA events in 2026 in order to protect her body, even if that means attracting fines or penalties.
Rybakina, who is currently playing in the Brisbane International, agreed with the Belarusian, saying the WTA players are forced to play several tournaments to avoid fines.
“Well, definitely of course we all want to have more freedom, also of choosing what play, what not to play, because if not, you get fined,” Rybakina said in her recent media availability. “You’re kind of forced to play most of the tournaments, so it is not ideal. I think if the schedule will be different, people would come, and you don’t need to force anyone to play so many tournaments. But since it’s so tough on the body and it’s again a lot of tournaments, of course, it’s not easy to show the same good result, be healthy all the time.
However, Rybakina put down her fighting cards, saying the topic is not new and she doesn’t expect anything to change anytime soon.
“So of course I agree on that, but it’s a topic that we have for a long time, and I don’t see much changing, so,” Rybakina added.
As per the WTA rules, players have to compete in all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments and six WTA 500 events if not injured. If not, the WTA can impose punishment in terms of fines and ranking points deduction.
Elena Rybakina Reveals Preparation Time Needed Before Get Going In Major Tournaments
Elena Rybakina admits that she is the kind of player that need certain matches under belt before she can unleash her true potential. Talking with reporters at Brisbane International, she answered the amount of time it requires after the end of the season to really get into the groove for major tournaments.
“Of course you take some time off, you start working on some things,” Rybakina said. “Physically you are improving, so you need to bring everything also on the court. So it is different definitely, but I think in the long run, it’s just positive, a question when it’s going to click, everything. Yeah, hopefully it’s going to be on the slams, and hopefully I can do now good in Melbourne. But again, it’s the whole season of opportunities.”
Rybakina had a splendid finish to the year, winning the year-end championship. Several sportsbooks already have him as the favorite to win the 2026 Australian Open alongside Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
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