In a move that’s shaking up women’s tennis, the WTA has handed out tough penalties to some of its biggest stars — Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, and Madison Keys — for skipping mandatory tournaments. Even world No.1 status couldn’t save them from this crackdown.
The message? No one is above the rules.
The WTA’s Bold Stand
According to the WTA’s controversial “Mandatory Commitment” policy, every top-ranked player must compete in all four Grand Slams, at least six WTA 500 events, and every one of the ten WTA 1000 tournaments each season. Miss one without an approved reason? Prepare for point deductions — and this year, the WTA is enforcing it without mercy.
Reports confirm that Swiatek lost 65 ranking points, Keys dropped 54, while Sabalenka, Gauff, and Anisimova each forfeited 10. But the bigger sting? They’ll have their ranking points “zeroed out” — meaning previous tournament results will no longer count toward their totals. Brutal.
“It’s Pretty Crazy,” Says Swiatek
At the China Open, Iga Swiatek didn’t hold back her frustration.
“Obviously, the season is long,” she said. “Maybe I’ll have to skip some tournaments even if they’re mandatory. The WTA made this pretty crazy for us. Playing six WTA 500s on top of everything else? It’s impossible.”
She wasn’t exaggerating. Between travel, media obligations, and constant training, even the fittest players are running on fumes. Swiatek insists she’ll try to follow the rules — but only as long as her health allows. “I just have to take care of my body,” she added.
Coco Gauff & Sabalenka Feel the Pressure
The penalties hit at a delicate moment in the year-end rankings race.
- Sabalenka sits firmly at No.1 with 10,390 points,
- Swiatek trails at 8,703,
- Gauff follows with 7,863, narrowly ahead of Anisimova on 5,914.
Even if Swiatek dominates the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Sabalenka’s lead looks untouchable. Gauff, however, faces a tense fight to remain America’s top-ranked woman.
Sabalenka has voiced her own concerns, calling the schedule “insane” after skipping Beijing due to fatigue. “We need rest,” she said bluntly. Gauff has echoed that sentiment, admitting she feels “completely drained” from the endless travel and expectations.
Why the Rule Exists
The WTA insists the rule ensures fairness — top players competing regularly keeps fans engaged and sponsors happy. But critics argue it punishes athletes for prioritizing their health.
As one insider put it: “These players aren’t robots. If the WTA keeps pushing them this hard, something’s going to break — and it won’t just be rackets.”
In short? The world’s best are feeling the burn, and the WTA’s message is clear: show up or pay the price.
