(VIDEO) "I just don't understand these stupid rules": Kasatkina fumes at WTA 250 rules preventing top 10 player involvement
WTA
Daria
Kasatkina criticized the WTA for prohibiting top-10 players from participating
in 250 events.
The Russian
tennis player reached the third round of Wimbledon, where she was defeated by
Belarusian Victoria Azarenka. Kasatkina entered the tournament as the 11th seed
and easily won her first two matches against Caroline Dolehide and Jodie Anna
Burrage, but couldn't overcome former world No. 1 Azarenka.
In August
2022, Kasatkina entered the top-10 and has been fluctuating around that
ranking, currently holding the world No. 11 position, with her best ranking
being world No. 8. She has taken advantage of WTA 250 tournaments to earn
points, especially when some of her top-10 rivals are not competing.
Regarding
the new rule that only allows one top-10 player in 250 events, Kasatkina shared
her thoughts:
"Here
at WTA 250 top 10 players are not allowed at all. There are very strict rules
about how many WTA 250 top 10 players can play. That's why it is very difficult
for these tournaments to survive. I just don't understand these stupid rules.
They are only in WTA, not in ATP. In WTA, forbidden to play WTA 250 for the top
10, only 2 per year, maximum," Kasatkina said.
"I
don't understand how do these tournaments make money if they can't invite any
top famous players. So they say that 250 category tournaments have no money. Of
course, they have no money, they can't generate it. They don't help them,"
she added
"I
just don't understand. If you are top 10, you can play two WTA 250 tournaments
a year, and only if there are no other top 10 in these tournaments. So there
can only be one top 10 player on one WTA 250.
"Because
in ATP, all these small tournaments, I mean category 250, they can two top 10
players. And people will come, they will watch, there will be broadcasts. There
will be life in tournaments. Of course, if no one players at all. No one is
allowed to play. Nothing like that will happen. But they only make it
worse," Daria Kasatkina said.
"Everyone knows about the new calendar. I think starting next year, the top 30 cannot play WTA 250, only WTA 500. This is complete bullshit."
Daria
Kasatkina participated in this week's WTA 250 Palermo Ladies Open, where she was the
top seed, but she was defeated in the quarterfinals by the Italian player
Jasmine Paolini.
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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