Why is Iga Swiatek still playing after end of WTA season? Looking into Pole’s strange scheduling decision amid her own criticism about long calendar

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

Jasmine Paolini beats Iga Swiatek for the 1st time: Stats

**Jasmine Paolini Beats Iga Swiatek for the First Time at Wuhan Open**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 10, 2025, 9:11 PM*

In a stunning upset at the Wuhan Open quarter-finals, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini defeated world number two Iga Swiatek for the very first time. Paolini secured a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 65 minutes, marking their seventh career meeting and ending Swiatek’s six-match winning streak against the Italian.

**Match Highlights and Stats**

Despite Swiatek serving 2 aces compared to none from Paolini, the Italian showcased impressive consistency. Swiatek committed two double faults, while Paolini had just one. Paolini’s first serve win rate stood at 68%, with a 57% success rate on her second serve. Most notably, she converted all six of her break point opportunities, demonstrating clinical finishing.

**Head-to-Head Recap**

Before this defeat, Swiatek had dominated their rivalry, winning six consecutive matches against Paolini. Their recent meetings included Swiatek’s victories in the Cincinnati Open final and the Bad Homburg semifinals in 2025, as well as wins at the 2024 BJK Cup, the 2024 Roland Garros final, the 2022 US Open, and Prague 2018.

**Semifinal Showdown: Paolini to Face Coco Gauff**

Paolini’s impressive win sets up a highly anticipated semi-final clash against third-ranked Coco Gauff. Reflecting on her performance, Paolini said in an on-court interview, “Finally I won a match. I’m super happy about my level. Just feels amazing.”

This victory also boosts Paolini’s chances of securing the last singles qualifying spot for the PIF WTA Finals in Riyadh later this season.

**Record-Breaking Performance**

According to Opta, Paolini is only the second player to defeat Swiatek while conceding three or fewer games in a WTA 1000 event, joining her next opponent Coco Gauff who achieved this feat in Madrid 2025.

At 29 years and 276 days old, Paolini has also become the third-oldest player to reach four or more Tier 1/WTA 1000 semi-finals in a single season since 1990. Only Serena Williams (2013-15) and Li Na (2012) have reached this milestone at an older age.

Jasmine Paolini’s breakthrough win over Iga Swiatek signals a thrilling semifinal ahead and an exciting path forward in the Wuhan Open.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/paolini-claims-swiatek-scalp-for-1st-time-in-career/story