"To not have it as perfect, it seems a little bit out of balance": Jimmy Connors slams WTA Finals execution as 'unacceptable'
WTAMonday, 06 November 2023 at 22:30
Jimmy
Connors criticized the judicial fiasco of the 2023 WTA Finals following
complaints from Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
With only
the grand final left to determine who will take the title in Cancun, Jessica
Pegula advanced to the final by defeating her compatriot Coco Gauff in the
semifinals, and the 4-times Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek eliminated the
world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
The
tournament has not met expectations due to poor court conditions and the lack
of adequate facilities, leading to complaints from some of the participants,
including Elena Rybakina and Sabalenka.
Former
world No. 1 Jimmy Connors found the situation in Cancun unacceptable and
criticized the WTA for choosing the Mexican city as the location for the
Finals, especially given the recent hurricane in the area:
"To
leave it, you know, to the day before, two days before where the stands aren't
up and the courts have not been put down right." Jimmy Connors said.
"A lot of the things that go along with that that maybe haven't been
accomplished, that's unacceptable."
"If
they're gonna agree to have a tournament in our there, especially that
important, you know, it's a year-end finals for the ladies, you know, which is
a big important event to not have it as perfect, it seems a little out of
balance," he added.
"It
seems kind of, you know, crazy to go to Cancun and especially with, just what
happened through Acapulco," 8-times Grand Slam champion said.
"The
hurricane that went through there. And
listen, even if it's the last minute deal, when I had the senior tour, I know
what it's like to put up seats and and stands and put," he continued.
"And do all that and and you need a little leeway to do all that but but
you know, it's doable," Connors concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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