Zheng responds to Swiatek: "The schedule? The strongest survive"

The contrast is striking: while Swiatek calls for fewer tournaments, Zheng believes the demanding schedule is an integral part of the profession.

The debate surrounding the schedule and the number of mandatory tournaments is endless. Iga Swiatek, one of the main voices on this topic, expressed her dissatisfaction on Monday regarding the obligation to participate in certain tournaments.

This opinion is not shared by world No. 9 Qinwen Zheng, who has returned to competition in Beijing. Although she had to withdraw due to pain in her right elbow, she states that the schedule is not a major problem:

"It's part of the game. As a professional player, that's how it is. We have to play many tournaments because that's what's planned in the schedule.

I think my situation here is different from others. I'm coming back from surgery and it was a bit rushed for me to return.

But it was the right decision to see where my body is at currently. Now I know that playing a third set and hitting so many balls is still a bit too much for me. I don't think the schedule is too heavy for professional players. The strongest survive, and that's the rule I've set for myself."