WTA wants to expand the season
The WTA wants to offer its players as many possible uses. For this purpose, 2020 should be played longer than normal.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Apr 03, 2020, 01:30 pm
Women traditionally end their tennis year earlier than their male counterparts; the next winner of the WTA Finals in Shenzhen is supposed to be announced on November 8 this year. The successor to Ashleigh Barty would be sought. At the moment, however, those responsible for tennis are primarily looking for answers as to when it can be played again. The signs are at the moment after the cancellation of the Wimbledon tournament and the previously scheduled events on grass on the earliest in mid-July.
This of course robs the players of all professional levels of earning opportunities. Which is why the WTA is also considering opening the calendar towards the end of the year and adding some events in November. Especially since the Combined Event in Indian Wells for the current year was not officially canceled, but only postponed (how a event in late autumn would go along with the ATP calendar is another story).
No support for the unemployed players
In any case, the WTA is flexible in a broadcast. "The WTA works extensively with our tournaments to maximize the income opportunities (for the players, editor's note) when professional tennis returns," it says. "We are considering expanding the current 44-week season to allow more tournaments to take place."
However, those players who had hoped to receive financial support from the WTA during the break were refused. “We wish there was a way that everyone, especially those who need it most, could be compensated at the expected level. But the needs are so great, and unfortunately the WTA does not have the means to meet them. ”In a nutshell:“ Professional tennis players are sole traders and not employees of the WTA. It follows that the players' earnings depend on the performance of competitions on the court. ”If tournaments did not take place, the income flow would naturally be interrupted. The WTA recognized the need - but could not help as requested.