Why is Iga Swiatek still playing after end of WTA season? Looking into Pole's strange scheduling decision amid her own criticism about long calendar

While most of her top-ranked peers are enjoying the off-season, Iga Swiatek's season isn't over just yet. She will be in action from November 14-16 at the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 playoffs in her native Poland. She will spearhead her country's challenge as they bid to secure a spot in next year's qualifiers.

However, Swiatek's decision to extend her season by another week stands in contrast to her recurring complaints about the prolonged season on the WTA Tour. She previously raised this issue earlier in the season, stating that players barely get enough time to unwind and are constantly on the move.

"Maybe I shouldn't talk about vacations, but let's be honest, there's no time for them during the season. And our bodies need them too. Some players wait, others go on vacation, train for a couple of days, and then play in the tournament, which isn't ideal," Swiatek said.

The reigning Wimbledon champion also wasn't in favor of mandatorily competing in six WTA 500 tournaments. She has never been able to fulfill that obligation on account of consistent performances at the higher level tournaments, leaving her with little time and energy to comply with the rule.

Players are docked ranking points for not meeting this criteria. Swiatek suggested treating competing in the Billie Jean King Cup as another WTA 500 tournament, or alternatively, reducing the six-tournament mandate.

"There's one important thing: the ITF and WTA should sit down together and allow players to avoid having to compete in six mandatory 500s, or five, because if you play in the BJK Cup Finals, you have one less week to do so," Swiatek said. "If the WTA could treat it like another tournament, perhaps remove one of the mandatory 500s, I think that would be good.

However, despite her issues with a lengthy season, one can understand Swiatek's decision to be available for national duty. Unless seriously injured or fatigued, she has usually stepped up to represent Poland across various national events. With her leading the charge, Team Poland will be expected to get through their group with ease.

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Iga Swiatek-led Poland grouped with Romania and New Zealand in the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 play-offs

Iga Swiatek at the Korea Open 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Poland have been drawn with Romania and New Zealand in Group B of the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 play-offs. Poland will host all ties in Gorzów Wielkopolski from November 14-16.

Poland's hopes will rest on Iga Swiatek's shoulders. She will be joined by Katarzyna Kawa, Linda Klimovicova, and Martyna Kubka. Elena Gabriela-Ruse will lead Romania, with Monica Niculescu, Gabriela Lee, Maria Gae, and Elena Ruxandra Bertea completing the line-up.

New Zealand will be represented by Vivian Yang, Elyse Tse, Erin Routliffe, and Jade Otway. Poland will face New Zealand on Friday, November 14, followed by Romania on Sunday, November 16.

Swiatek currently has 62 wins this year. She could surpass current leader Aryna Sabalenka's tally of 63 wins by winning both of her singles ties at the Billie Jean King Cup. If she manages to do so, then it would mark the fourth consecutive season where she would have the most number of wins on the tour.

Edited by Rohit