Iga Swiatek plans to play fewer tournaments in the new season to spend more time working on her game and reducing her stress levels.
The world No.2 has been one of the most vocal critics about the length of the tennis calendar, which lasts from January until early November for those who qualify for the WTA Finals. Swiatek has played 79 Tour-level matches this season across 19 tournaments, including the United Cup. During this period, she won her first Wimbledon title, as well as the Cincinnati Open and Korean Open.
“I would like to try missing maybe two tournaments – maybe the ones I feel I haven’t been playing well at anyway – just spending this time on grinding and getting the technique better,” Swiatek said during an interview with The Guardian.
“I think it will help me also play a little bit better under stress, because my body will remember the proper movements and what it learned during this practice time.”
Under the current rules, players are required to play a certain number of events throughout the season if they rank high enough and are not suffering from any issues, such as injury or illness. These include the four Grand Slams, nine WTA 1000s and the WTA Finals if a player qualifies for that event. Top players must also play in four WTA 500 events, of which one must be after the US Open. Failure to follow these rules without having a valid reason can result in a points deduction.
Swiatek hasn’t specified what tournaments she could miss in 2026 or if she would be willing to risk a points penalty for doing so. However, the Pole, as well as world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, was deducted points for failing to play the required number of 500 events earlier this year.
“Mentally, it can give me a lot of confidence, knowing I worked hard.” She said of her approach to the 2026 season.
“Then I can come to tournaments a little bit better prepared, because for sure, playing all mandatory tournaments now, most players will tell you they’re not always 100% ready to play every one of these.”
Ahead of the next season, Swiatek has entered to play the Continental Cup in Shenzhen, China. The three-day exhibition event will feature players from Europe taking on those from the rest of the world between December 26-28. Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Belinda Bencic and Andrey Rublev are also taking part.
