The build-up to the WTA Finals has been a race against time, with players voicing their concerns about the last-minute preparations and the challenging practice conditions. The tournament is set to commence on Sunday, but there have been hiccups along the way, leaving participants to don the hat of construction workers and express their frustrations.
The stadium court, where the main matches will take place, has been under construction, allowing players only a limited time for practice. Heavy winds have further disrupted their training routines, forcing them to spend more time in their hotel rooms than on the court.
Aryna Sabalenka, a prominent player on the WTA circuit, did not mince words when sharing her displeasure. She criticized the last-minute arrangements and called on the WTA to do better in the future.
Sabalenka remarked, “I’m not happy that we couldn’t practice on the match court, meaning on the stadium. I think this is not the level for the WTA Finals. We literally have one hour today, like 45 minutes, to try the stadium. This is something I’m not happy with. I’m pretty sure the rest of the players are also not happy.”
The frustration stems from the inadequate time provided for players to adapt to the stadium’s unique conditions. Typically, players require several days to acclimate themselves to a new playing environment. With only a limited opportunity to practice on the tournament’s main court, players are facing a significant challenge.
While recognizing that all participants are dealing with the same constraints, Sabalenka emphasized that such conditions are not suitable for an event of the WTA Finals’ stature. She expressed hope that the WTA will make improvements in organizing the tournament next year.
Aryna Sabalenka says she hopes WTA will do a better job next year because ‘this is not the conditions for WTA Finals’:
“I’m not happy that we couldn’t practice on the match court, meaning like on the stadium. I think this is not the level for the WTA Finals. We literally have… pic.twitter.com/lQxODuO7fz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 28, 2023
The players’ concerns highlight the importance of proper planning and adequate practice time for an event as prestigious as the WTA Finals. The expectations are high, and players are eager for optimal playing conditions to showcase their skills on the global stage. As the tournament gets underway, all eyes will be on how the participants adapt to these last-minute challenges and whether the WTA will address their concerns in future editions.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2023
Currently the world no.1, the Belarussian played her last match on the 6th of October when she was defeated by world no.4 Elena Rybakina 7-5 6-2 in the quarter in Beijing (draw).
This season the Belarussian has managed to achieve a compiled 53-12 match record. Aryna conquered 3 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open and Madrid. Aryna got to the final in Indian Wells, Stuttgart and U.S. Open.
Aryna Sabalenka |
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