When is it, where is it taking place and who is playing?

Billie Jean King believes tennis needs a wake-up call following a scheduling conflict that will result in the absence of top players from the Billie Jean King Cup for the second consecutive year. World No 2 Iga Swiatek and reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff will not participate in the women’s team event in Seville next month as they are competing in the WTA Finals. The WTA Finals, taking place in Cancun, Mexico, from October 29 to November 5, makes it extremely challenging for players to return in time for the ITF’s BJK Cup Finals, commencing on November 7 in Spain, due to the geographical distance and conflicting dates.

The late announcement of Cancun as the venue for the WTA Finals on September 7 poses a significant issue, as there are no direct flights between Cancun and Seville. Last season, Swiatek faced the same predicament and had to skip representing Poland. King, a founding member of the WTA, emphasized the need for improved planning and communication within the sport.

“We’ve had our date for a long time, I think you should ask the WTA – they’re the ones that put their date in a few weeks ago,” King said during a press conference. “As far as our sport, I think we all need to figure out a better calendar for the players and everybody knowing what’s going to happen, because you can’t start making these decisions on the finals in like September. It’s only fair. Can you imagine if a major didn’t know its dates?

“We’ve got seven basic pillars [governing bodies] and very few sports have to deal with that. Our sport needs to wake up that we are competing against other sports. Instead of worrying so much, internalizing about ‘I want my tournament to be the best’ or ‘I want this’, just stop. Let’s make this work so everybody wins.”

How to watch the WTA Finals on TV in the UK

The UK broadcasting rights for this year’s tournament are yet to be confirmed. In 2022, the event was televised on Amazon Prime Video.

How to watch the WTA Finals on TV in the US

The US broadcasting rights for this year’s tournament are yet to be confirmed. In 2022, the event was shown on Tennis Channel.

When are the WTA Finals taking place?

The tournament begins on October 29 and concludes with the final on November 5.

Where are the WTA Finals being held?

The tournament will be hosted in Cancun, Mexico.

Who is competing in the singles?

Karolina Muchova has withdrawn from the tournament due to a continuing right wrist injury. She will be replaced in the singles draw by first alternate Maria Sakkari.

1. Aryna Sabalenka

2. Iga Swiatek

3. Coco Gauff

4. Elena Rybakina

5. Jessica Pegula

6. Marketa Vondrousova

7. Ons Jabeur

8. Maria Sakkari

What is the WTA Finals prize money?

The prize money figures for this year’s tournament are yet to be confirmed. In 2022, the total prize pool was $5,000,000.

Which British players were involved?

No British players are participating in the singles or doubles events.

Who is the defending champion?

Caroline Garcia of France won the season-ending event last year. In the final, she defeated Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-4, becoming the second French woman to win after Amelie Mauresmo in 2005.

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