WTA accepts responsibility for ‘challenging’ conditions in Cancun

The Women’s Tennis Association acknowledges responsibility for the “demanding circumstances” that its players have encountered at the ongoing WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s number one player, expressed feeling “disrespected” by the organization, while Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova stated that the WTA was “uninterested” in the players’ emotions.

In a letter addressed to the players, WTA CEO Steve Simon admitted that the situation had been far from ideal.

“First and foremost, it is evident that you are dissatisfied with the decision to hold the event in Cancun. I comprehend your sentiments, and they have been heard,” he wrote.

“This is not a flawless event; we acknowledge that the conditions pose a challenge, and the WTA will assume responsibility for that.”

Cancun was selected as the tournament venue less than two months prior to its commencement, after negotiations with Saudi Arabia failed to reach an agreement for 2023.

The consistency of the bounce on the center court in the Mexican resort has been erratic, and the court was only available for practice on the day before the finals began.

Last month, some of the top players on the tour sent a letter to Simon, expressing increasing dissatisfaction with the tour’s management.

This recent letter from the CEO follows two in-person meetings with the players.

In addition to addressing the unsatisfactory nature of the WTA Finals, Simon pledged to reassess the number of mandatory events players must participate in for 2024.

He also confirmed the introduction of a Player Survey at each tournament next year and plans for discussions regarding the provision of a guaranteed minimum annual income for players – a measure recently adopted by the men’s ATP Tour.

Simon also stated that other immediate priorities include ensuring greater consistency in the brand of tennis balls used and improving the tour’s promotion on social media.