Pegula to Lead WTA Efforts on Tennis Calendar Improvements

New 13-person panel will suggest changes to women's tennis schedule, rankings, and event requirements.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Jessica Pegula, the 2024 U.S. Open runner-up, will chair a new 13-person panel tasked with recommending changes to the women's tennis calendar, rankings points rules, and event participation requirements. The panel, formed by WTA Tour chair Valerie Camillo, aims to address player concerns over the sport's long season and short offseason that contribute to injuries and burnout.

Why it matters

For years, both women's and men's tennis players have complained about the grueling schedule and lack of adequate rest, which can lead to physical and mental strain. The new WTA panel represents an effort to address these longstanding issues and find solutions that prioritize player well-being while maintaining the integrity of the professional tour.

The details

The WTA Tour Architecture Council, led by Pegula, will make recommendations to the WTA Board on potential changes that could be implemented as soon as 2027. The panel will first focus on areas where the WTA has direct authority, while also identifying longer-term opportunities that will require coordination with the ATP men's tour and the four Grand Slam tournaments.

  • The new 13-person panel was formed in February 2026.
  • The council aims to have a revised calendar structure approved for the 2027 season.

The players

Jessica Pegula

The 2024 U.S. Open runner-up and current world No. 5 player, who will chair the new WTA panel.

Valerie Camillo

The WTA Tour chair who formed the new council to address player concerns about the sport's calendar and schedule.

Aryna Sabalenka

The current world No. 1 player who has voiced concerns about the demanding WTA Tour schedule.

Iga Swiatek

The current world No. 2 player who has also withdrawn from events to protect her body due to the grueling schedule.

Victoria Azarenka

A two-time Australian Open champion and former world No. 1 player who is on the new WTA panel.

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What they’re saying

“There has been a clear sentiment across the Tour that the current calendar does not feel sustainable for players given the physical, professional, and personal pressures of competing at the highest level.”

— Valerie Camillo, WTA Tour Chair (Associated Press)

“It's one of the toughest sports, just when you combine, not just the physicality of it, but the schedule, the loneliness, the mental side, how tough it is to go out there and compete, week-in and week-out, by yourself.”

— Jessica Pegula (Associated Press)

“The season is definitely insane.”

— Aryna Sabalenka (Associated Press)

What’s next

The WTA Tour Architecture Council, led by Jessica Pegula, will make recommendations to the WTA Board by the end of 2026, with the goal of having a revised calendar structure approved for the 2027 season.

The takeaway

The formation of this new WTA panel represents a proactive effort to address longstanding player concerns about the grueling tennis schedule and find solutions that prioritize athlete well-being. By taking a collaborative approach and involving both current players and tour officials, the WTA aims to create a more sustainable calendar that allows the world's best women's tennis players to thrive both physically and mentally.