Women’s tennis needs to change, according to two-times Slam champion Victoria Azarenka. Vika, after her first match at the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, focused on the problems that the WTA should overcome to generate more interest.
She said: “I would like to see many things change. Unfortunately, we are dealing with so many organizations that changing is difficult. There are many people who belong to the older generation and may find it difficult to see the future.
We need more unity in the sport, more player involvement, but it takes time. It is very difficult to change the way things have been done, to overcome traditions. Tennis needs to change, to grow, to be faster in terms of playing time.
The potential is high, but we need to have people who are willing to take some risks. WTA Finals? We need an event that deserves to host such an important tournament. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen sudden announcements and no one has had time to think about marketing.
All aspects that have been underestimated. The players are eager to participate in this tournament, but we cannot find out at the last minute or a month in advance where the venue will be. At the moment there is not really an established location.
There is still talk of China, but nothing definitive.”
Iga Swiatek’s words
The WTA Finals in Fort Worth, at least from the point of view of the crowd present at the Dickies Arena, did not achieve the desired success and alarmed the women’s Tourt.
Even the world number one Iga Swiatek, during the tournament held from October 31st to November 7th, had appeared rather disappointed and had expressed her disappointment with the lack of attention shown by the American crowdto the event which brings together the best eight players of the season.
She said: “I hope to see the stadium full soon, but we’ll see. I hope I get this chance, because I like to feed on the energy that the crowd transmits.”
