WTA Releases Statistics Report

The WTA has released its sixth quarterly summary of key statistics comparing the last year under the old circuit, 2008, with how the game is being played today.

The study, called the ‘Roadmap Report’, is a quarterly analysis of players participation rates and withdrawal rates that compare the state of the game today to the way it was prior to the Roadmap.

The analysis compares the circuit from the period running from January to August 2008, with the period from January to August 2011.

Results showed that top player participation is up 21% in the Tour’s top nine Premier events.

Despite some injuries to top players, overall withdrawals are down 23%; prize money is up by 36% at WTA events; and retirements and walkovers combined are down 13%.

Three years ago, the calendar for women’s tennis was substantially changed in response to concerns from players that the season was too long and grueling.

As a result, the WTA’s players and tournaments created the Roadmap – which shortened and streamlined the season; increased prize money and bonus pool payouts; provided more breaks for top players; and reduced top player tournament commitments.

The changes were made with the aim of keeping players healthier, and as a result, showing up consistently for the tournaments they committed to.

The WTA also showed that attendance in 2010 was up 5% at Premier events, and 4% at International events.