The WTA Finals’ relocation to Saudi Arabia has stirred controversy, intensified by sparse fan turnout in a 15,000-seat stadium where top players like Iga Swiatek played to audiences of fewer than 1,000. Former tennis star Andy Roddick and journalist Jon Wertheim discussed the issue on Roddick’s *Served* podcast, debating the WTA’s controversial decision.
Wertheim criticized the move, citing initial claims that hosting in Saudi Arabia would inspire young audiences, particularly young women. He noted the stark contrast between the promised impact and the sparse attendance, echoing concerns shared by tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.
Roddick, however, countered Wertheim’s stance by defending the WTA’s financial choice. “Should Sabalenka make less because other markets aren’t stepping up financially?” he asked, noting that few regions offered the necessary investment for hosting the tournament.
Despite an increase in prize money for players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, the low engagement at the Finals raises questions about whether Saudi Arabia is the right venue for fostering growth in women’s tennis. The WTA now faces the challenge of balancing financial sustainability with building an enthusiastic global fan base.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Currently ranked no.1, the Belarussian played her last match on the 8th of November when she surrendered to world no.3 Cori Gauff 7-6(4) 6-3 in the semifinal in Riyadh (draw).
Currently, during this season Sabalenka has achieved an overall 56-14 record. Aryna clinched 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Aryna reached the final in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will square off with the world no.450 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their head to head is 3-2
for Kvitova.The Belarussian conquered 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. The Belarussian got to the final in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Sabalenka won 17 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Aryna Sabalenka |
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Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Ranked world no.1, Sabalenka played her last match on the 8th of November when she was overcome by world no.3 Cori Gauff 7-6(4) 6-3 in the semifinal in Riyadh (draw).
At the moment, during this season Aryna achieved a composed 56-14 record. The Belarussian has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Sabalenka reached the final in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will fight against the world no.450 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their current head to head is 3-2 for Kvitova.
Sabalenka has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Aryna was the finalist in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Aryna won 17 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Aryna Sabalenka |
| Embed from Getty Images |