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Iga Swiatek says the court conditions at the WTA Finals are “not a positive thing for any of us” but highlighted that she is focusing on how she can make a deep run in Cancun. Since the start of the WTA Finals in Cancun, pretty much all participants have complained about the quality of the court in Cancun, including world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka – who was pretty harsh in her criticism.
On Monday, world No 2 Swiatek started her WTA Finals campaign with a 7-6 (3) 6-0 win over Marketa Vondrousova. Afterward, Swiatek was asked about the court in Cancun. “Obviously, it’s not a positive thing for any of us.
I think the main thing is not focusing on that and just doing your job. Sometimes it bounces weirdly on clay and grass as well. I try to think in that perspective and just do my job. For sure, it’s not comfortable. The fact we also didn’t have time to practice on this court, you know.
But at the end it doesn’t really matter because all of us have the same court and the same conditions,” Swiatek said, via The Tennis Letter.
Iga Swiatek says the court at WTA Finals is ‘not a positive thing for any of us’ but she’s not focused on it:
“Obviously, it’s not a positive thing for any of us.
I think the main thing is not focusing on that & just doing your job. Sometimes it bounces weirdly on clay & grass… pic.twitter.com/CdRt35yWJX — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 31, 2023
Swiatek refuses to harshly criticize the court conditions in Cancun
On Day 1, Sabalenka said she felt “unsafe” on the court and also called the court conditions at this year’s WTA Finals “another level of disrespect by the WTA.” Elena Rybakina was also pretty straightforward, underlining that she was “not really happy” with the court conditions.
Ons Jabeur also called out the court conditions in Cancun, saying that “this should never happen again.” The reactions from players prompted the WTA to issue a statement. “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 WTA said in a statement.
