发布时间: 1/9/2026
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Aryna Sabalenka is the defending champion at the 2026 Brisbane International
Sabalenka Slams Tennis Authorities’ Self-Serving Calendar Decisions
World number one Aryna Sabalenka didn’t hold back after her dominant 6-3, 6-3 victory over Sorana Cirstea at the Brisbane International, calling out tennis governing bodies for prioritizing their own interests over player welfare. “They follow their interests with regards to the tennis calendar and are not focusing on protecting all of us,” the Belarusian star stated, echoing growing frustration across the women’s tour.
Over recent months, top players have repeatedly voiced concerns about the increasingly long and intense schedule, which has led to a spike in injuries across the board. For leading women’s players, the mandatory event load is staggering: at least 20 tournaments per season, including four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 events, and six WTA 500s. This grueling pace has left many athletes burnt out, with Sabalenka herself admitting she struggled immensely last season, even competing while sick or exhausted at times.
“The season is definitely insane, and you see so many players getting injured,” Sabalenka emphasized, adding that the heavy tournament balls have only amplified the physical toll on competitors. “The balls are quite heavy, so it's a lot of struggle for all of us.” To safeguard her body ahead of the Australian Open, where she’s targeting a third title in four years, Sabalenka confirmed she’ll skip several events in 2026. “I'm skipping a couple of events in order to protect my body because I struggled a lot last season,” she said, even acknowledging she may face fines or ranking point deductions as a result.
Sabalenka’s stance isn’t isolated. World number two Iga Swiatek also faced ranking point deductions last season for failing to meet the required number of WTA 500 event appearances. Both players have made it clear that protecting their long-term health is more important than short-term ranking gains, a sentiment that’s resonating with many on tour who’ve seen peers sidelined by preventable injuries.
Latest Tour Updates & Match Results
As players navigate the packed schedule, Elena Rybakina continued her strong form from 2025, securing a 6-3, 6-2 win over Spain’s Paula Badosa at the Brisbane International. The 2022 Wimbledon champion, who defeated Sabalenka at the season-ending WTA Finals, is emerging as a top contender for the Australian Open title. Next up, she’ll face Czech star Karolina Muchova for a spot in the Brisbane semi-finals.
In a disappointing turn for fans, 2024 Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn from this year’s tournament as she recovers from elbow surgery. The Olympic gold medalist shared the news on Instagram, explaining that competing in a Grand Slam requires peak physical condition, which she hasn’t yet regained. “To play a Grand Slam requires players to maintain an extreme competitive condition,” she wrote. “I have not yet reached the best condition that I have set for myself.”
On the men’s side of the Brisbane International, Britain’s Cameron Norrie fell short in a tight second-round match, losing 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-4 to American Aleksandar Kovacevic, ranked 58th in the world. Meanwhile, in Auckland, former British number one Katie Boulter was defeated 7-5, 6-4 by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in a fiercely contested second-round clash.
As the Australian Open approaches, the conversation around player welfare and tournament scheduling shows no signs of slowing down. Sabalenka’s bold comments have put the spotlight back on authorities to reevaluate the season structure, but for now, top players are taking matters into their own hands to stay healthy and competitive.