Aryna Sabalenka finds the WTA Finals court as ‘disrespectful’ towards the players claiming she feels unsafe to even move

Earlier, Tunisian ace Ons Jabeur too had took a dig at WTA for the same issue.

Aryna Sabalenka finds the WTA Finals court as ‘disrespectful’ towards the players claiming she feels unsafe to even move

Aryna Sabalenka (Credits: Tennis-infinity.com)

World no.1 Aryna Sabalenka called out the WTA organization for their poor management at the WTA Finals. The Belarusian feels it is disrespectful for the players to play at such an unsafe court.

The WTA Finals are considered to represent the culmination of the women’s tennis season, a display of the world’s top eight players battling for the year’s biggest prize. However, this year’s event in Cancun, Mexico, has been overshadowed by controversy and criticism from various players.

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The state of the practice courts is at the root of the problem. Many players have described the courts as uneven, slippery, and dangerous. The 25-year-old went so far as to declare she didn’t feel safe playing on the courts.

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Apart from this, the players also couldn’t even practice as they arrived in Cancun as the stadium was still being prepared. For this year’s WTA Finals in Cancun, a temporary stadium was built with 4,300 seats. Sabalenka admitted that she had only about 45 minutes to try the stadium court. 

Honestly, it’s another level of disrespect from the WTA for the players. Sometimes, I don’t even feel safe to move on this court. That’s not the level I expect from the WTA Finals. Thank you for this challenge I’m facing right now of having to learn to adapt quickly to the conditions. Thank you for that. But this is not something I expect from such a high level tournament.
Sabalenka via Cancun Press

Evidently, the Belarusian continues to persevere despite the many challenges she has faced. She believes the challenges only make her stronger but maintains that an organization of such a high level should not be making such blunders.

Aryna Sabalenka defeats Maria Sakkari at the WTA Finals

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka started off the WTA Finals with a bang as she defeated World No.9 Maria Sakkari in straight sets. The Australian Open champion shot six aces and 17 winners as she faced the Greek player.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Credits: USOpen.org)

The 25-year-old saved all the five break points she faced to defeat Sakkari. The World No.9 tried to save three match points however, Sabalenka continued her aggressive hold. She emerged victorious in the first set in just 37 minutes.

Sakkari could only win 1 game throughout the match. The Belarusian was unstoppable as she had a 5-0 lead in the second set. The World No.1 won the game with an incredible scoreline of 6-0, 6-1.

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