"People are going to hate me... I'm asking for rest" - Iga Swiatek doubles down on WTA Tour schedule criticism, claims it makes tennis 'less fun'

Iga Swiatek booked her spot in the Cincinnati Open semi-finals with a gritty win over Mirra Andreeva. The World No. 1 came from a set down to prevail 4-6, 6-3 7-5.

Shortly after her win, Swiatek spoke to Sky Sports, addressing the demanding nature of the Tour. The Pole, who is scheduled to play at the US Open in just a couple of weeks’ time, said she has always advocated against having a packed calendar.

She was quick to add that while she loves playing at all the different locations throughout the year, the travel and competition can get slightly exhausting after a point.

"So what can I say I've been kind of an advocate, saying that well, we shouldn't be pushing and pushing for us to play more," Iga Swiatek said. "Obviously, it's not our decision, but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season."

"It's not gonna end well as it's just it makes tennis less fun for us," she added. "Let's just say, I mean, obviously, I love playing all these places but it's pretty exhausting."

Elaborating on her concerns, Swiatek said players deserve a little rest every now and then. She conceded that she might draw flak from some people for “asking for rest”, but believed that most players would agree with assessment.

"I think most of the players could tell you that. Especially when you're playing at the high level and, you know, going to high ranking tournaments," Iga Swiatek said. "I don't think it should be like that."

"We deserve to rest a little bit more obviously maybe. People are going to hate me for that because it sounded weird that I'm asking for rest. It doesn't make sense, but the truth is that you have got to keep up with the Tour."

---

Iga Swiatek to take on Aryna Sabalenka for Cinicinnati Open finals berth

Iga Swiatek at the Cincinnati Open (Image via Getty)

Iga Swiatek is playing in her first tournament since the Paris Olympics, where she bagged the bronze medal after defeating Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in the third-place play-off.

The Pole has been tested thoroughly during her time in Cincinnati. Having opened her campaign with a three-set win over Varvara Gracheva, she grew in confidence and took out Marta Kostyuk in straight sets.

Mirra Andreeva, however, pushed the World No. 1 in the quarterfinals, but she was able to avoid the upset by coming back after losing the first set. Swiatek will now take on Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the final.