American world No. 5 Jessica Pegula has been named the chair of the newly-formed Tour Architecture Council, the latest major WTA initiative determined to implement concrete, actionable changes to strengthen the professional women’s tennis as a whole, with player satisfaction among top priorities.
WTA Chair Valerie Camillo, who took that role in November 2025, announced the launch of the Tour Architecture Council:
Over my 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. It’s important we take a fresh, collaborative look at how to best preserve the high-quality competition that builds value for tournaments and provides an unparalleled experience for fans.
For these reasons, she has established the Tour Architecture Council, tasked with developing actionable recommendations for the WTA Board that could be implemented as early as the 2027 season.
Jessica Pegula: I know that the schedule is very tough, and it’s not easy, and I think at some point in the year, if you do have a few good results, I think some weeks, unfortunately, do become a little bit of a sacrifice if you’re thinking long term. pic.twitter.com/cMRe6mQTSb
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 17, 2026
For years, tennis players have complained that the season is too long, the offseason too short, and that other factors contribute to injuries and burnout. As chair of the Council, Pegula will bring a top-player perspective to its work, helping to guide discussions that will reflect the full range of experiences on Tour. She will collaborate closely with tournament representatives and WTA leadership to translate these insights into actionable changes.
Joining Pegula on the 13-member Tour Architecture Council are a mix of active players, tournament officials, and WTA leadership. Active players include two-time Australian Open champion and former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Maria Sakkari of Greece, and U.S. No. 96 Katie Volynets. WTA Chair Valerie Camillo and WTA CEO Portia Archer provide leadership and strategic guidance.
The council also includes Anja Vreg, an agent, former player and umpire, and chair of the WTA Player Board; Bob Moran, president of Beemok Sports & Entertainment, which runs tournaments in Cincinnati and Charleston; Laura Ceccarelli, representing the Asia-Pacific region on the WTA Tournament Council; and Alastair Garland, managing director of Octagon Tennis. Additional WTA Tour representatives are David Highhill, Head of Strategy; Ashley Keber, Senior VP of Member Relations; and Joan Pennello, Senior VP of Tour Operations.
Together, the council brings a broad mix of player experience, tournament insight, and executive leadership to guide actionable changes on the WTA calendar and Tour operations.