Vote Coming to Ease Tennis Stars’ Schedules, WTA Council Member Says
The vote will likely take place during the US Open.
The WTA Tour Architecture Council, a 13-person group formed in February, plans to reduce the number of required WTA 500 tournaments for top women tennis players starting next year, according to council member Bob Moran. Moran, also president of Beemok Sports and Entertainment, which runs the Cincinnati and Charleston Opens, expects a vote on the matter during the US Open, which begins at the end of the month.
The current rules require top players to play at least six 500 tournaments, with the number potentially dropping to five or four. This change would bring the total required tournaments for top players down to around 15-17, from the current 17-18. The council includes top players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Maria Sakkari, Victoria Azarenka, and Katie Volynets, as well as WTA and tournament executives.
While players have long complained about the crowded schedule, a reduction in required 500 tournaments could come with a compromise, such as slower growth in prize money for these tournaments.
Written by urgent.news from Front Office Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
