PARIS (AP)—Top women’s tennis players are entering more big events since the WTA Tour streamlined its calendar.
The tour made changes in 2008, deciding too many players were pulling out of tournaments because of injury and fatigue.
Through May 15, participation by top players at the biggest events was up 46 percent this year from the same period two years ago, the tour said on Saturday. Withdrawals by all players was down 43 percent, while medical timeouts during matches dropped 35 percent.
Along with changes in the schedule, the tour credits the increased participation to a rise in prize money and bonus pool payouts, more breaks for top players and a reduction in required commitments by top players.