Swiatek is right, WTA schedule is a ‘challenge’ – ITF respond to world No 1

After Iga Swiatek pulled out of the Billie Jean King Cup finals – pointing out that they began in Scotland just a day after the conclusion of the WTA Finals in the USA – the ITF have responded to her criticisms.

And they’ve acknowledged that there’s a problem when it comes to ensuring the world’s best players are also able to represent their country this year.

“The ITF is sorry that Iga Swiatek is unable to take part [in the Billie Jean King Cup]… and recognises that the schedule for the two major year-end events presents a challenge for players competing in both events,” ITF president David Haggerty said.

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“We have been working with the WTA to try to coordinate suitable dates.

“While we were able to confirm the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Glasgow back in June, the WTA Finals venue in Fort Worth, Texas was confirmed during the US Open and restricted in terms of available dates.”

Swiatek had said that the physical demands of cross-continent travel was likely to prove a problem for players’ physical health.

But there was some good news, though; Haggerty confirmed: “We are committed to working with the WTA on the 2023 schedule so that we have a better transition between the two competitions.”

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