Stockings questioned for enjoying scheduling privileges! Gilbert: You don't even need to check to know her matches are always scheduled early.

In the women's singles semifinal last night, as Swiatek played against Rybakina in the second set, commentator and ex-world No.1 Davenport brought up: "Swiatek's five matches have all been set for 11 a.m. or 1 p.m., in the hottest part of the day, while Rybakina has enjoyed two night sessions (versus Mertens and Keys). This just doesn't seem fair at all!"

Davenport went on to explain, "Swiatek has never played later in the afternoon, so she's become fully acclimated to the harsh daytime conditions (temperatures above 38°C), but this puts other players at a real disadvantage. We don't know what’s happening behind the scenes, but clearly, something about this situation stands out."

Her comments immediately sparked widespread discussion! Coco Gauff’s former coach Gilbert chimed in, suggesting this schedule is proof that Swiatek is receiving the kind of "privileges" reserved for elite players. On social media, he posted: "You don’t even have to look at the order of play to know Swiatek is on at 11 a.m. again! So is this something her team specifically requested, or just a coincidence?"

Gilbert’s speculation was quickly shot down by Serena Williams’ former coach, Macci, who insisted "Swiatek has absolutely no say in the schedule," and criticized his peers for complaining instead of focusing on coaching: "Great players know life isn’t fair, and they use it to build mental strength!" In response to Macci’s criticism, Gilbert simply replied, "laughing out loud," apparently dismissing the comment.

It’s worth noting that Swiatek has previously stated openly that she "really enjoys playing early matches," as it helps her maintain her rhythm. At this Cincinnati event, she admitted the heat was tough but said it was "manageable," only suggesting that more rest time between matches would be helpful if possible.

However, other players have voiced strong dissatisfaction with early match times, repeatedly requesting to play at night. Russian star Kalinskaya, after losing to Swiatek in the quarterfinals, criticized the organizers for the "inhumane" daytime schedule, saying players must constantly adjust their routines to cope with the unpredictable timing.

Medvedev also commented during an interview in Cincinnati: "I just told my team today: when I’m 35, I’ll definitely refuse to play at 11 a.m. I’ll just say, ‘Sorry everyone, I can’t make it. I’m not even awake yet. Please default me.’ For me, 11 a.m. is just too early. You have to get up at 6:30, but for a night match, you can sleep until 9. It completely changes your preparation. Mentally, it’s really crazy."

Andreeva previously mentioned: "When I had the first match of the day, I wasn’t happy because I dislike getting up early. Today I had to wake up at 6:40, then spend 35 minutes getting ready, doing everything; 25 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes to get to the venue, then waited 11 minutes in the locker room; after that we warmed up and went on court. The whole process was really tight."

Therefore, it’s hard not to suspect that Swiatek may have benefited from favorable scheduling.

Still, some fans have questioned this narrative: "Davenport’s remarks are disappointing! If you follow her logic, Swiatek should actually be at a disadvantage physically from playing every match in the heat, while those with night matches have it easier in cooler conditions—so who’s really getting the advantage?"

Seasoned commentators have pointed out: "WTA events have long struggled with scheduling issues. Top players’ matches are often set for fixed times due to broadcast demands, but there’s a lack of rotation. This makes it seem like some players get special treatment, but in reality, they’re just more marketable and bring in higher revenues!" Former Australian Open director Paul McNamee also called for "more transparent scheduling rules."

The debate surrounding Swiatek’s schedule highlights deeper issues in tennis: should players’ adaptability compensate for flaws in the rules? While Macci emphasizes the spirit of 'no excuses' for champions, Davenport’s call for fairness is also worth considering. With more scheduling controversies emerging this year, how the WTA balances player needs and scheduling transparency will be key to resolving the unrest.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)