"Players now have to bring their 'A' game, we didn't": Chris Evert fires back at criticism for supporting Iga Swiatek's concern with WTA Tour schedule

Chris Evert has once again supported Iga Swiatek by clapping back at one of the netizens who criticized the world no. 1 for her take on the WTA Tour schedule. The 23-year-old recently showcased her disappointment at the busy schedule of tennis players.

Swiatek was competing at the 2024 Cincinnati Open; however, she failed to reach the final after she lost her semi-final match to Aryna Sabalenka on August 18. Before the semi-final defeat, she faced Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals and won with a 7-6, 6-3, 7-5 score-line. Swiatek then opined about the schedule of tennis players during the post-match interview.

She said that there are too many tournaments in the season, which makes it less fun for the players.

"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. Let's just say, I mean, obviously, I love playing all these places but it's pretty exhausting."

After her comment, Swiatek faced backlash from some fans on social media, who criticized the player for complaining about the schedule.

"Another tennis player complaining about having to... play tennis. The schedule has not changed since the 80's," a netizen said.

Chris Evert fired back at the comment and backed the Pole. She said that there is more depth of good players in tennis today than in the 80's. She said:

"What people don't understand is there is SO much more depth than the 80's! I played then!! The players now have to bring their "A" game in the first round; we didn't!"

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Yevgeny Kafelnikov takes a dig at Iga Swiatek for her WTA tour schedule comment

Russian tennis player Yevgeny Kafelnikov recently took a dig at Iga Swiatek for her comments on the busy schedule of the tennis players. Following her comment, the Russian took to his X account to express his thoughts on the player's opinions about the WTA Tour schedule. He accused her of 'complaining' too much and also stated that she should get paid less.

"Is someone pushing you to play ??? All you fricking do is complain!! I’ll tell you what you deserve ! You deserve to get paid a lot less than you do now!! How about that?? ✌ 😉 ," Kafelnikov wrote.

Amidst this controversy, Iga Swiatek's journey to the Cincinnati Open has ended as Aryna Sabalenka has booked her spot in the women's singles final after getting the better of the Polish player.