Sabalenka continues her 2023 winning streak against Sakkari, yet she’s not thrilled with the event’s management.
Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked the world’s number one in women’s tennis, has openly expressed her dissatisfaction with how the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has organized its year-end Finals in Mexico.
Although Sabalenka, aged 25, handily defeated Greece’s Maria Sakkari with a 6-0, 6-1 win in her first match of the tournament on Sunday, she revealed that she felt “disregarded” by tennis’s administrative body.
“I’ve been thoroughly unimpressed by my experience at the WTA Finals so far,” stated the Belarusian athlete. “The planning here isn’t what we’ve come to expect for a tournament of this magnitude.”
The host site for the Finals was only decided in early September, following inconclusive discussions between the WTA and Saudi Arabia for the 2023 event. Construction of the court at the Cancun resort in Mexico was finalized just days before the competition commenced on Sunday.
While many players had initially backed the idea of having the tournament in Saudi Arabia, tennis legends like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert had voiced concerns over holding the event in a country where women’s rights are an ongoing issue.
Sabalenka, who crushed her match against Sakkari by capitalizing on five out of her nine break-point opportunities and by winning 11 consecutive games, was unimpressed by the court conditions.
“To put it bluntly, I’m not comfortable moving around on this court,” Sabalenka elaborated. “The ball’s bounce is unpredictable, and we were only able to practice on this surface a day before the tournament began. With so much riding on this event, this is just not up to par.”
In a post-match press conference, she reiterated, “I’m feeling outright disregarded by the WTA, and I’m fairly certain I’m not the only one.”
Sabalenka, who seized the top spot from Poland’s Iga Swiatek after the US Open in September, could end the year as the world number one if she either remains undefeated in the round-robin stage or makes it to the final.
Earlier in the same Group A, American Jessica Pegula overcame Elena Rybakina in a 7-5, 6-2 victory. Pegula, 29, staged an impressive comeback by winning 10 of the last 12 games against her Kazakh competitor, who had initially served for the set at 5-3 but racked up 35 unforced errors during the match.
Up next for Sabalenka is a Tuesday face-off with Rybakina, while Pegula is set to clash with Sakkari.
In Group B matches scheduled for Monday, Iga Swiatek will compete against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, and US Open victor Coco Gauff is set to square off against Ons Jabeur.
Stay tuned for live scores, results, and the upcoming order of play. And hey, maybe get those notifications on your phone to keep up with the on-court drama.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aryna Sabalenka WTA Finals Criticism
What is Aryna Sabalenka’s main issue with the WTA Finals in Cancun?
Aryna Sabalenka has criticized the Women’s Tennis Association for the poor organization and conditions at the WTA Finals held in Cancun, Mexico. She cited an unpredictable court surface and last-minute preparations as major concerns, stating she feels “disregarded” by the governing body.
Who did Aryna Sabalenka play against in her opening match?
In her opening match at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Aryna Sabalenka played against Greece’s Maria Sakkari. She defeated Sakkari with a score of 6-0, 6-1.
How did other players feel about the location of the WTA Finals?
Most players were initially supportive of the idea of holding the tournament in Saudi Arabia. However, after discussions between the WTA and Saudi Arabia failed, the venue was changed to Cancun, Mexico. Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert had raised concerns about holding the tournament in Saudi Arabia due to women’s rights issues in the country.
What specific conditions were problematic according to Sabalenka?
Sabalenka mentioned that the court’s bounce was inconsistent, making it difficult for her to move safely. She also expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that players were only able to practice on the court a day before the tournament started.
What will happen if Aryna Sabalenka remains undefeated or reaches the final?
If Aryna Sabalenka remains undefeated in the round-robin play or reaches the final, she will finish the year as the world number one in women’s tennis.
Who else competed in the same group as Sabalenka?
In the same Group A as Sabalenka, American Jessica Pegula defeated Elena Rybakina with a score of 7-5, 6-2. Rybakina is also scheduled to be Sabalenka’s next opponent.
What’s on the schedule for Group B matches?
For the upcoming Group B matches, Iga Swiatek will compete against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, and US Open winner Coco Gauff will face Ons Jabeur.
How can I stay updated with live scores and results?
The article encourages readers to enable notifications on their phone for live scores, results, and updates on the order of play. So if you’re hungry for real-time tennis drama, keep those alerts on!
More about Aryna Sabalenka WTA Finals Criticism
- WTA Official Site
- Aryna Sabalenka’s Career Stats
- Previous WTA Finals Locations
- Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia: A Concern for Athletes
- Interview with Martina Navratilova on WTA Finals
- Overview of Tennis Court Surfaces and Conditions
- Jessica Pegula’s Recent Performance
- A Look at Group B Competitors: Swiatek, Vondrousova, Gauff, and Jabeur
- How to Enable Tennis News Alerts on Your Phone
- Maria Sakkari’s 2023 Season Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka’s Post-Match Press Conference
- Discussion on Tennis Venue Selection and Controversies
9 comments
Heard the interviews from Navratilova and Evert, and I kinda agree. Hosting in Saudi woulda been a mess, but Cancun ain’t much better apparently.
Setting up alerts on my phone as we speak. This tournament’s turning into a soap opera and I’m here for it!
Aryna’s on fire this year, but man, she’s right. These players risk injury on bad courts. It’s not just a game, it’s their career!
Pegula also did well, but everyone’s just talking about Aryna’s comments. Guess controversy overshadows performance sometimes.
I get the concerns bout Saudi Arabia but Cancun? Really? they had months to prepare and they botch it?
Look, if the world’s No.1 is complaining, maybe it’s time to listen? Just a thought, WTA.
WTA, take notes. Players aren’t just athlete, they’re also human beings who deserve respect and safety. Period.
Wow, Sabalenka really let loose! Can’t blame her tho, WTA needs to step up their game if they’re hosting something this big.
so Aryna’s gonna end the year as No.1? that’s cool, but hope the poor conditions don’t mess it up for her.