WTA Hands Down Strict Penalties to Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Other Top Stars for Breaking Tournament Rules
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has shown that even the most accomplished stars aren’t immune from punishment. In a move that has shaken the women’s tennis world, the organization has sanctioned several high-profile players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, and Madison Keys, for breaching its Mandatory Commitment policy.
According to reports, the WTA deducted ranking points from each player as part of the disciplinary action. Swiatek was stripped of 65 points, Keys lost 54, while Sabalenka, Gauff, and Anisimova each had 10 points deducted. But the penalty doesn’t stop there — the players will also have parts of their rankings “zeroed out.” This means that their ranking points from certain tournaments this season will no longer count, a move that could have long-term implications for their standings heading into the 2026 season.
The Reason Behind the Penalties
The controversy stems from the WTA’s Mandatory Commitment policy, which was introduced to ensure that top-ranked players consistently participate in key events. Under this policy, players within the top tier are required to compete in all four Grand Slam tournaments, at least six WTA 500 events, and all 10 WTA 1000 tournaments throughout the year. The idea is to maintain a high level of competition across major tournaments, ensuring sponsors and fans see their favorite stars on court regularly.
However, many players have voiced concerns that the rules are unrealistic given the intense demands of the tennis calendar. Between the constant international travel, rigorous match schedules, and commercial commitments, players often struggle to find time for proper rest and recovery.
Players Push Back on Grueling Schedule
Iga Swiatek, who has often been vocal about the physical and mental strain of the sport, addressed the issue during a press conference at the China Open. She openly questioned how sustainable the WTA’s policy is in the long run.
“Obviously, the season is long,” Swiatek said. “I don’t know yet how my career will look in a few years, but maybe I’ll have to choose some tournaments to skip, even though they’re mandatory.”
She went on to call the system “pretty crazy,” emphasizing that even top athletes struggle to meet such requirements.
“The WTA made it difficult for us. Playing all these mandatory tournaments, plus six WTA 500 events, is just impossible to fit into the schedule. We have to be smart about it — not just think about the rules but also what’s healthy for our bodies. I can only try to take care of my recovery and rely on my team to help me manage the load.”
Swiatek’s comments highlight a growing tension between players and the WTA. Many athletes believe the organization prioritizes financial and commercial gains over player welfare. The packed schedule often leads to injuries and burnout, forcing players to choose between their health and following the rules.
The Impact on Rankings and the Race to Riyadh
The latest penalties are expected to shake up the current WTA rankings and the Race to Riyadh, which determines qualification for the prestigious year-end WTA Finals.
As of now, Aryna Sabalenka continues to hold the No.1 ranking with 10,390 points, maintaining a comfortable lead over Swiatek, who stands at 8,703 points. Coco Gauff sits in third place with 7,863 points, followed by Amanda Anisimova with 5,914.
Despite the deduction, Sabalenka’s position remains secure. With a commanding 1,687-point lead over Swiatek, the Belarusian star is almost guaranteed to finish 2025 as the world’s top-ranked player, even if Swiatek wins all her remaining matches at the upcoming WTA Finals in Riyadh.
However, the same cannot be said for the rest. Coco Gauff, who has enjoyed an impressive season, is now in a tight battle to hold on to her position as the top American player. She currently has just a 676-point advantage over Anisimova, a gap that could narrow further if Gauff falters in the season’s closing events.
Why the Rule Exists
While the policy has sparked outrage among players, the WTA insists that it serves an important purpose. The organization argues that requiring top athletes to appear in major tournaments ensures consistent competition and maintains fan engagement. Sponsors invest heavily in tournaments expecting marquee matchups featuring the sport’s biggest names — something the WTA views as essential for keeping the women’s tour financially stable and globally relevant.
Still, the debate continues. Critics argue that forcing players to participate in nearly every major event could lead to more injuries and shortened careers. As players like Swiatek and Gauff juggle demanding schedules, questions are mounting about whether the WTA will reconsider its rules or continue enforcing them strictly.
For now, the message from the WTA is clear: rules apply to everyone, even the world’s best. Whether this policy improves the sport’s appeal or drives top players toward burnout remains to be seen — but one thing is certain, the penalties have reignited a fiery debate over how far professional tennis can push its athletes before something has to change.
