While most of her top-ranked peers are enjoying the off-season, Iga Swiatek’s season isn’t over just yet. She will be in action from November 14-16 at the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 play-offs in her native Poland. Swiatek will spearhead her country’s challenge as they bid to secure a spot in next year’s qualifiers.
However, Swiatek’s decision to extend her season by another week stands in contrast to her recurring complaints about the prolonged season on the WTA Tour. Earlier in the season, she raised concerns about the demanding schedule, stating that players barely get enough time to unwind and are constantly on the move.
“Maybe I shouldn’t talk about vacations, but let’s be honest, there’s no time for them during the season. And our bodies need them too. Some players wait, others go on vacation, train for a couple of days, and then play in the tournament, which isn’t ideal,” Swiatek said.
The reigning Wimbledon champion also voiced her disapproval of the mandatory requirement to compete in six WTA 500 tournaments. Due to her consistent performances at higher-level tournaments, she has rarely been able to fulfill this obligation, leaving her with little time and energy to comply. Players are docked ranking points for not meeting this criterion.
Swiatek suggested that competing in the Billie Jean King Cup should be treated as an alternative to one of the mandatory WTA 500 tournaments, or that the six-tournament mandate should be reduced.
“There’s one important thing: the ITF and WTA should sit down together and allow players to avoid having to compete in six mandatory 500s, or five, because if you play in the BJK Cup Finals, you have one less week to do so,” she explained. “If the WTA could treat it like another tournament, perhaps remove one of the mandatory 500s, I think that would be good.”
Despite her issues with a lengthy season, one can understand Swiatek’s choice to be available for national duty. Unless seriously injured or fatigued, she has consistently stepped up to represent Poland across various national events.
With Swiatek leading the charge, Team Poland is expected to advance through their group with relative ease.
**Iga Swiatek-Led Poland Grouped with Romania and New Zealand in Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Play-Offs**
Poland has been drawn into Group B of the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 play-offs alongside Romania and New Zealand. Poland will host all ties in Gorzów Wielkopolski from November 14-16.
The team’s hopes will rest heavily on Iga Swiatek. She will be joined by Katarzyna Kawa, Linda Klimovicova, and Martyna Kubka.
Romania will be led by Elena Gabriela-Ruse, with Monica Niculescu, Gabriela Lee, Maria Gae, and Elena Ruxandra Bertea completing their line-up.
Poland will face New Zealand on Friday, November 14, followed by Romania on Sunday, November 16.
Swiatek currently has 62 wins this year. By winning both of her singles ties at the Billie Jean King Cup, she could surpass current leader Aryna Sabalenka’s tally of 63 wins. Achieving this would mark Swiatek’s fourth consecutive season with the most wins on the tour.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-why-iga-swiatek-still-playing-end-wta-season-looking-pole-s-strange-scheduling-decision-amid-criticism-long-calendar
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