Iga Swiatek responds on the disappointing Riyadh crowd coming to the WTA Finals

Iga Swiatek's opening match at the WTA Finals against Barbora Krejcikova generated a very low crowd number.

Iga Swiatek responds on the disappointing Riyadh crowd coming to the WTA Finals

Iga Swiatek (Image via X)

The WTA Finals in Riyadh have kicked off with the top eight players delivering impressive performances across both groups. One of the most talked-about matches was between Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova.

However, the main focus wasn’t Swiatek’s comeback win but the low attendance in the stadium. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman was one of the most vocal critics of this issue. Yet, Swiatek managed to find a positive side to the situation.

Obviously [would like more crowd]. But I think it was also comfortable for me because it was my first match after a break, so the fact it wasn’t super crazy also made it easier kind of for me. I think there’s gonna be more crowd [across the week]. I guess today is the first working day because they have their weekend on Friday and Saturday, so we’ll see how it’s going to go in the next days.

Iga Swiatek in her post-match press conference at the WTA Finals

Henman argued that if future crowds remain as sparse and uninspired as those in Riyadh, the idea of hosting major sporting events in Saudi Arabia may need to be reconsidered. Swiatek’s next match will be against American No. 1 Coco Gauff on Thursday.

The shift of tennis tournaments from Europe and America to Saudi Arabia has sparked mixed reactions among tennis fans. The WTA Finals in Riyadh follow a similar trend seen at the Six Kings Slam, which featured six prominent male players.

Iga Swiatek digs deep against Barbora Krejcikova

Iga Swiatek showed signs of rustiness after being away for two months but managed to secure a hard-fought win over Barbora Krejcikova. The world number two rallied to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 on Sunday, beginning her WTA Finals title defense in Riyadh.

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (Image via X)

Swiatek had last played in September when she lost in the U.S. Open quarter-finals. She then dropped to world number two as Aryna Sabalenka overtook her in the rankings. The 23-year-old from Poland chose to skip the WTA Tour’s Asian swing, citing fatigue.

In the first set, Swiatek struggled as Krejcikova, the Wimbledon champion, took control and broke early. The Polish star appeared out of rhythm, and the crowd in Riyadh grew anxious, hoping she could stage a comeback.

Down 3-0 in the second set, Swiatek fought back fiercely. She finally took the lead with a powerful backhand and won the set. In the third set, she raced to a 5-0 lead as Krejcikova dealt with back pain. Despite a late effort from her opponent, Swiatek held firm to claim victory.