‘So so sad for all of us’ Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova uses her Instagram again, joins Sabalenka in critics about the conditions at the @WTAFinals. Shocking to see this in the most important event of the year for the WTA.
WTA responds to harsh criticism over 2023 WTA Finals stadium in Cancun from Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and more
WTATuesday, 31 October 2023 at 15:08
The WTA has responded to the criticism regarding the 2023 WTA Finals stadium in Cancun, with Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina among the players condemning the courts.
The WTA decided on Cancun as the location of the 2023 WTA Finals on September 7, before revealing that they would be spending $6 million on building a new stadium in the Mexican city.
However, just days before the prestigious season-ending championship was set to begin, construction remained unfinished and players were forced to practice between two courts in their hotel accommodation. They were eventually let into the stadium to practice one day before the beginning of the tournament, with group-stage matches now underway.
Court conditions criticized by top players
Since play began at the Plaza Quintana Roo, top seed Sabalenka has spoken out against the conditions, saying she doesn't feel safe.
"I am very disappointed with the WTA and the experience so far at the WTA Finals. As a player, I feel disrespected by the WTA. I think most of us do. This is not the level of organisation we expect for the Finals.
To be honest, I don’t feel safe moving on this court a lot of the time, the bounce is not consistent at all, and we weren’t able to practice on this court until yesterday for the first time. It’s just not acceptable to me with so much on the line and so much at stake," she said.
This sentiment was echoed by Rybakina and Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
"Overall, it’s not easy here. Everyone is struggling. Everyone is trying to do their best. As I said, I’m not really happy with the conditions and the set up of the tournament.. About the court, I don’t really want to talk.
"But of course, it’s not good. For sure not for the final 8. Because everything was late and there was no time to fix anything," the Kazakhstani player said.
"My first WTA Finals is not at all what I imagined. We worked hard all year to get to the Finals and in the end it’s just a disappointment. Stadium is not at all ready for the matches and to me it feels like the people from the WTA are absolutely not interested in how we, who are supposed to play on that court, feel. We do not feel that anyone listens to us and is interested in our opinions. Very sad," said Vondrousova.
Now, the WTA has realeased a statement in response to this criticism, saying that "the team has worked diligently" despite time constraints and challenging weather conditions.
"We're pleased to host the WTA Finals in Cancun for the first time and worked hard to construct a stadium where the world's top eight women's tennis players and doubles teams compete head-to-head. The team has worked diligently on an expedited timeline amid weather challenges to ensure the stadium and court meet our strict performance standards," the governing body said.
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