WTA Shortens Tour Schedule

Women’s tennis tour the WTA is to cut back on the number of events in its
calendar in order to counter the growing number of players withdrawing from
tournaments due to injury.

From 2009, the WTA Tour calendar will feature fewer events and its off-season
will increase to nine weeks – a fortnight longer than the existing structure.

The number of Tier I and Tier II events will be cut to 20 from 26 with top
players required to participate in 10 tournaments in addition to the four Grand
Slams, down from the current 14.

Four events will be mandatory – Key Biscayne, Indian Wells and new
tournaments in Madrid and Beijing.

The women’s season-ending Tour Championships will move to October from
November to lengthen the off-season.

‘Players deserve a longer off-season and healthier schedule so that they can
avoid injury and fatigue,’ said WTA chief executive Larry Scott.

‘In return fans deserve to see more players consistently performing at their
best at our tournaments.’

Top 10 players failing to play at tournaments as required will be subject to
suspensions and larger fines than in the past.

The WTA Tour also announced that prize money will grow to an estimated £54
million in 2009, 30% more than this year, and will be linked to commitments and
revenue-sharing.