PTPA presses player fatigue concerns after Rybakina's WTA Finals withdrawal

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has renewed its concerns about the grueling tennis schedule, following the withdrawal of world number one Elena Rybakina from the WTA Finals. Rybakina cited her body being "completely drained" as the reason for her absence from the season-ending event, which she had entered after winning two Grand Slam titles this year.

The PTA's statement came after Rybakina's previous withdrawal from the Tokyo quarter-finals due to a neck injury. The association reiterated its push for a season that prioritizes player health, warning that players should not reach the final event "running on empty".

The WTA Tour has acknowledged athlete welfare as a top priority and noted that they have taken players' concerns about the calendar into account. However, the elite women's tour continues to grapple with player fatigue issues, just as the men's ATP Tour has recently highlighted. American player Taylor Fritz recently expressed his frustration with the lack of off-season for players, stating that the yearly schedule leaves little time for recovery.

Fritz lamented that players have only a one-month break and can only afford to take two weeks off during the season, effectively having no real time to rest. The ATP Tour has acknowledged the issue and is working on ways to create incentives for a more balanced season schedule.