Aryna Sabalenka Prioritizes Health, Plans to Skip 2026 Events

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has announced her intention to skip several events in 2026 to prioritize her health, despite potential sanctions from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. The Belarusian player described the demands of the current tennis season as “insane” and emphasized the need to protect her well-being after struggling through injuries last year.

Under WTA rules, top players are required to participate in all four Grand Slam tournaments, ten WTA 1000 events, and six WTA 500 events. Failing to comply can result in penalties, including deductions in ranking points and fines. In 2025, Sabalenka participated in only three WTA 500 events: Brisbane, Stuttgart, and Berlin, which contributed to her being penalized alongside other high-ranking athletes, such as world number two Iga Swiatek.

During a press conference following her victory over Sorana Cirstea at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka expressed her frustration with the current structure of the tour. “The season is definitely insane, and that’s not good for all of us, as you see so many players getting injured,” she stated. She acknowledged the challenges presented by the mandatory events but reaffirmed her commitment to skipping certain tournaments to safeguard her health.

“Even though the results were really consistent, some of the tournaments I had been playing completely sick or I’ve been really exhausted from overplaying,” she added. Sabalenka is determined to manage her schedule more effectively this season, even if it means facing fines. “It’s really tricky to do that. You cannot skip 1000 events. I think that’s insane what they do. I think they just follow their interests, but they’re not focusing on protecting all of us,” she remarked.

The tennis circuit has been criticized for its lengthy, 11-month seasons, with increasing scrutiny during the “Asian swing” at the end of the previous year, when multiple injuries were reported among players. In September 2025, the WTA reassured athletes that their welfare remains a top priority. They noted that they had been actively considering player feedback on the tournament calendar through the players’ council and board representatives, aiming to enhance the circuit structure for 2024 and improve compensation for players.

Sabalenka’s decision to prioritize her health reflects a broader concern within professional tennis regarding player well-being and the demand for more sustainable scheduling. As the sport evolves, the balance between competitive requirements and athlete care will likely remain a central discussion point for players and governing bodies alike.