The Women's Tennis Association has formed a new Tour Architecture Council to address player complaints about the demanding schedule. Chaired by world No. 5 Jessica Pegula, the 13-person panel will recommend changes to tournament timing, mandatory events, and penalties, aiming for implementation in 2027. The move follows widespread withdrawals from recent events like the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The WTA announced the creation of the Tour Architecture Council on February 17, 2026, via a letter from chair Valerie Camillo to players and tournament organizers. The council seeks to make "actionable" improvements to the tournament calendar, focusing initially on areas under WTA control, such as WTA 250, 500, and non-combined WTA 1000 events including the Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, China Open, and Wuhan Open.
Camillo, who assumed the role in November 2025, highlighted player feedback from her first 90 days: "There has been a clear sentiment across the Tour that the current calendar does not feel sustainable for players given the physical, professional, and personal pressures of competing at the highest level." She emphasized collaboration to preserve high-quality competition while supporting athletes.
Jessica Pegula, the 2024 U.S. Open runner-up and a 31-year-old American ranked No. 5, will lead the panel. Camillo praised Pegula's "unique perspective as a top player" and her collaborative approach. Other active players on the council include Victoria Azarenka (Belarus, two-time Australian Open champion), Maria Sakkari (Greece, former No. 3), and Katie Volynets (U.S., No. 96). Members also comprise WTA officials like CEO Portia Archer, tournament representatives such as Bob Moran of Beemok Sports & Entertainment, and experts including Anja Vreg, chair of the WTA Player Board.
The announcement coincides with challenges at the Dubai Tennis Championships, a mandatory WTA 1000 event, where 13 players withdrew or retired since Friday, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (citing a right hip injury) and No. 2 Iga Świątek (change of schedule). Sabalenka has previously called the season "insane," while Świątek described it as "a madness." Pegula, who skipped the prior Qatar Open for rest, noted the schedule's toll: "The priority is always staying healthy mentally and physically."
Longer-term, the council will explore coordination with the ATP men's tour and Grand Slams. Players must currently compete in all 10 WTA 1000 events and six 500-level tournaments, facing fines and zero ranking points for unexcused withdrawals. Many events have expanded to 12 days, intensifying the calendar post-Australian Open.