SuggestedLeadIn: New WTA boss Steve Simon expects resistance as tennis looks to adjust its playing calendar in 2016 and beyond.

Script: SOUNDBITE (English) Steve Simon, WTA Commissioner:

(saying he expects controversy in the future as tennis begins looking at adjusting its playing calendar):

"To do some of the things we have to do, we have to make some fundamental changes in the calendar and our approach to it. Obviously you begin affecting schedules, investments that are being made. You begin affecting tradition, something that's been that way for a long time. I think we have to take an honest and open look at that. That'll probably be the first thing that begins to create controversy and angst amongst the group, as we have those types of conversations."

SOUNDBITE (English) Steve Simon, WTA Commissioner:

(on withdrawals at the 2015 WTA Finals and the need to change the calendar to keep players healthy)

"During the amount of the year that the WTA calendar controls, we need to be respectful and look at that structure so we can keep our product healthy. Because it's our product. If I can't have them on the court I don't have the premium product that I am looking to deliver. It's a fundamental challenge we have to work with. We certainly will always have withdrawals. I think this year they were a little bit up, but it wasn't material. It was about equal to last year as far as withdrawals over the course of the year. It's something that hopefully between structure that we can create the right rest periods and keep the players as healthy as we can through the year."