Jessica Pegula, the 2024 US Open runner-up, will chair a new 13-person panel tasked with proposing major changes to the women's tennis calendar, ranking points, and mandatory event participation. The initiative, announced by WTA Tour chair Valerie Camillo in a letter on Tuesday, aims to address long-standing complaints about the sport's demanding schedule.
Camillo stated that the Tour Architecture Council will submit recommendations to the WTA Board, with hopes of implementing a revised structure by 2027. The council will initially focus on areas under WTA control, while seeking broader coordination with the ATP and Grand Slams for longer-term changes.
World No. 5 Pegula, 31, was chosen for her unique perspective as a top player and collaborative approach. She has previously described tennis as 'one of the toughest sports' due to its physical and mental demands. The strain was highlighted by recent withdrawals of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek from this week's Dubai event.
Other players on the council include Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sakkari, and Katie Volynets, alongside tour officials and industry representatives. Camillo emphasised an open-minded approach to finding solutions, aiming for timely, impactful changes.
