The WTA calendar 2024: Here are all the planned tournaments
The world of women’s tennis is preparing for a 2024 season full of news and challenges. After months of negotiations and last-minute decisions, the WTA calendar has finally been revealed. Next season promises to be intense, with two weeks of competition and the 2024 Paris Olympics sandwiched between the final two Grand Slams.
The 2024 WTA calendar presents itself as a mix of tradition and innovation, with the return of historic events and the introduction of new destinations. This new season, extended by two weeks, promises to test players in unprecedented ways, with a program that alternates fast pace with moments of strategic pause. The WTA is committed to strengthening women’s tennis worldwide, but has faced criticism in some host countries over a lack of smaller events and human rights issues. Overall, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for women’s tennis, with challenges and opportunities that could redefine the sporting landscape.
An Australian exit and surprises in the first quarter
The season begins with a tour of Australia, which offers players a variety of opportunities. The United Cup kicks off on December 29th, followed by the return of the 500m event in Brisbane. In January, the traditional stops in Auckland, Hobart and Adelaida will take place, culminating in the Australian Open from December 14th to 28th January. The news immediately after the first Grand Slam is the return of the Linz tournament as the WTA 500, the only indoor hard court event of the year.
February: month of changes and news
February is marked by a number of significant changes. Tournaments in Mexico are changing their dates and the WTA will make room for a number of major tournaments in the Middle East with events in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. Indian Wells and Miami will dominate March and lay the foundation for the clay court season.
The worrying lack of smaller events
A sticking point in the WTA calendar is the distinct lack of smaller tournaments, an issue that makes it difficult for players to compete at the WTA level. Before Roland Garros, the only 250cc event takes place in Bogotá. However, the WTA increased the Strasbourg tournament from 250 to 500, placing it the week before Paris.
The grass season and the impact of the Olympic Games
The grass season retains its traditional structure, with tournaments in Berlin and Eastbourne. After Wimbledon, attention will quickly turn to the Paris Olympics, which coincides with the Washington tournament in the 500 category.
On the way to the season finale: Asia and the Chinese market
After the US Open, the WTA will focus on Asia with a series of tournaments in China and Japan. The Asian season proved pivotal despite previous controversies surrounding human rights. The WTA appears to be doubling down on its commitment to the Asian market by adding new stages and extending the season.
January
– 1: United Cup, Brisbane (WTA 500), Auckland (WTA 250)
– 7: Adelaide, Hobart (WTA 500)
– 14: Australian Open (Grand Slam)
– 29: Linz (WTA 500), Hua Hin (WTA 250)
February
– 5: Abu Dhabi (WTA 500)
– 12: Doha (WTA 1000)
– 7 p.m.: Dubai (WTA 1000)
– 26: San Diego (WTA 500), Austin (WTA 250)
march
– 4: Indian Wells (WTA 1000)
– 18: Miami (WTA 1000)
April
– 1: Charleston (WTA 500), Bogota (WTA 250)
– 15: Stuttgart (WTA 500)
– 22: Madrid (WTA 1000)
May
– 6: Rome (WTA 1000)
– 8 p.m.: Strasbourg (WTA 500), Rabat (WTA 250)
– 27: Roland Garros (Grand Slam)
June
– 10: Nottingham, ‘s-Hertogenbosch (WTA 250)
– 17: Berlin, Birmingham (WTA 500)
– 24: Eastbourne, Bad Homburg (WTA 500)
– July 1st: Wimbledon (Grand Slam)
July
– 3 p.m.: Budapest, Palermo (WTA 250)
– 22: Hamburg, Prague (WTA 250)
– 27: Olympic Games Paris 2024
– 29: Washington DC (WTA 500)
August
– 5: Toronto (WTA 1000)
– 12: Cincinnati (WTA 1000)
– 19: Monterrey, Cleveland (WTA 250)
– 26: US Open (Grand Slam)
September
– 9: Guadalajara (WTA 500), Monastir (WTA 250)
– 16: Seoul (WTA 500, hard surface) Ningbo (WTA 250, hard surface)
– 23rd Beijing (WTA 1000, hard surface),
October
– 7: Wuhan (WTA 1000, still open)
– 14: Zhengzhou (WTA 500), Osaka (WTA 250)
– 9 p.m.: Tokyo (WTA 500), Guangzhou (WTA 250)
– 28: Hong Kong (WTA 250), Merida, Nanchang (WTA 250)
Marco Rossi
