townsend Calls for Tennis evolution, Proposes Rule Changes
MELBOURNE,โค AUSTRALIA – โฃJanuary 11, 2026 – American tennis player Taylor Townsend is advocating for modernization within the sport, specificallyโข proposing adjustments to โขthe scheduling of women’s matches and a revised ranking system that better reflects recent performance. Townsend outlined her suggestions in a recent interview, emphasizing the need for tennis to evolve to maintain relevance and fairness.
These proposals come as the sport navigates ongoing discussions about equity and player welfare.Townsend’s โคideas aim to address concerns about consistent scheduling for WTAโค players โฃand the potential forโ rankings to lag behind current form, impacting seeding and tournament โขopportunities.The changes, if implemented, could considerably alter the competitive landscape and โขplayer experiences on theโฃ tour.
Townsend highlighted theโ frequent issue of women’s matches being relegated to smallerโ courts or late-night slots, even when featuring prominent players. “I think weโ need toโฃ be more intentionalโ about showcasing women’s tennis,” she stated. “We deserve the โฃsame opportunities as the men to play on the big stages, especially when we’re drawing crowds and generating interest.” She believes a more equitable โฃscheduling policy woudl elevate the visibility of the WTA and attract a wider audience.
Beyond scheduling, Townsend also proposed โa ranking system overhaul. โขCurrently, theโค WTA rankings utilize a 52-week rolling system. Townsend argues this can be misleading, as a player’s form can fluctuate dramatically within thatโ timeframe. “I think we need to put more weight on recentโ results,” she explained. “A player โwho has โbeen consistently performing well over the last three toโฃ six months should be โrewarded with a ranking that accurately reflects that.”
Townsend’s call for change arrives as she preparesโ to compete in the Australian Open, beginning Monday, January 12, 2026. Her Grand Slam record includesโฃ a doubles win at the 2024 US Open with Gabriela Dabrowski/Erinโค Routliffe, and a doubles win at the 2025 Australian โOpen with Katerina Siniakova. She has also experienced Grand Slam final losses inโฃ mixed doubles at the 2024โข US Open (with Donald โขYoung) and the 2025 โคFrench Open (with Evan king), as well asโ in women’s doubles at theโ 2025 โฃUS Open (withโ Katerina Siniakova).
