The American tennis player Jessica Pegula, runner-up at the 2024 US Open, will lead a new panel composed of 13 people. This group will have the task of proposing significant changes to the women’s tennis calendar, the ranking points rules, and the participation requirements in certain events. The initiative was announced through a letter sent by Valerie Camillo, president of the WTA Tour, to players and tournament organizers. For years, both female and male players have expressed their concern about the length of the tennis season, considering it too long, with a very short pre-season. They have pointed out other factors that contribute to injuries and physical and mental exhaustion. Camillo informed that the Tour Architecture Council will present recommendations to the WTA Board. A new structure is expected to be approved for the year 2027.
Camillo’s letter also indicates that the council “will first focus on areas where the WTA has direct authority to drive change, while identifying long-term opportunities that will require broader coordination across the sport.” This will involve working with the ATP men’s circuit and the four Grand Slam tournaments. Pegula, currently ranked number 5 in the world and 31 years old, will chair the council. Camillo highlighted that Pegula “has a unique perspective as an elite player and is widely respected for her thoughtful and collaborative approach.” The tennis player has expressed in the past her opinion on the demands of the sport, highlighting the combination of physical demands, the calendar, loneliness, and mental pressure. The world number 1, Aryna Sabalenka, and number 2, Iga Swiatek, were among the players who withdrew from this week’s WTA event in Dubai. In January, Sabalenka announced her intention to skip some tournaments “to protect her body”. In addition to Pegula, the council will include the participation of active players such as Victoria Azarenka, two-time Australian Open champion and former number 1; Maria Sakkari, semi-finalist in two Grand Slams; and Katie Volynets, currently ranked number 96. Also on the panel are Camillo, WTA CEO Portia Archer, and three other circuit officials. The council includes Anja Vreg, agent, former player and former referee; Bob Moran, of Beemok Sports & Entertainment; Laura Ceccarelli, representative for the Asia-Pacific region on the WTA Tournament Council; and Alastair Garland, managing director of Octagon Tennis and a member of the WTA board of directors.There is a clear feeling throughout the circuit that the current calendar is not sustainable for the players, given the physical, professional, and personal pressures of competing at the highest level.
Valerie Camillo, WTA Tour President
