Sky Sports activities’ Tim Henman says the dearth of crowds on the WTA Finals in Riyadh have been “disappointing” and “frustrating” however hopes issues will change sooner or later.
World No 2 Iga Swaitek claimed victory over Barbora Krejcikova in her first match in two months, whereas Coco Gauff defeated fellow American and occasional doubles associate Jessica Pegula.
Nevertheless, there have been solely round 400 individuals in attendance to witness a few of the world’s prime gamers at Saudi Arabia’s King Saud College Indoor Area, which has a capability of 5,000.
“I think it’s just been disappointing. The way the event has been hosted, you look at the stadium courts, it’s absolutely fantastic, all the facilities, practice courts, restaurants, they’ve laid it all on,” mentioned Henman on Sky Sports activities Tennis.
“So, it is just a bit bit irritating, and I feel disappointing for the highest eight gamers on the earth that we have not had a greater environment.
“The first day was OK, which was part of the Saudi weekend, but yesterday, to have 300-400 in the crowd when you’ve got a 5,000 seater stadium, it just doesn’t create the atmosphere that these great players deserve.”
Saudi Arabia had already been publicly criticised for internet hosting the WTA Finals by tennis greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova as a result of nation’s human rights report.
“A lot of the players who were here have been talking about change, and part of the reason they’re here is to bring about change,” Henman added.
“Maybe I’m being a little bit impatient but I think this is a great opportunity, and admittedly, is the first year.
“So, I feel there shall be a variety of positives to remove and maybe we should always reserve judgement on the finish of the week, after which maybe as we go into the second 12 months.
“They’re not, I wouldn’t have thought, trying to make a great deal of money from the ticket sales.
“So, in the event that they’re giving them a variety of the way in which, they have to get on the market and promote it and construct that curiosity. And that is how you’re going to make change.”
WTA ‘bringing tennis to a brand new viewers’
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Highlights of the WTA Finals match between Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova
The WTA has additionally emphasised the significance of remembering the event remains to be in its early phases they usually hope it can develop all through the three-year partnership.
“We’re pleased with the strong attendance at the opening day of the WTA Finals with thousands watching from the stands,” the WTA mentioned in a press release.
“We always anticipated lower attendance with the start of the Saudi working week on Sunday but anticipate that numbers will build as we approach the weekend. There is a great atmosphere and support from the fans.
“It is necessary to keep in mind that that is the primary time a WTA occasion has been held in Saudi Arabia, so we’re bringing tennis to a brand new viewers and that takes time to construct.
“Our aim is to grow the WTA Finals and build attendance over the term of the three-year partnership.
“What we’re certain of is that everybody who comes will take pleasure in thrilling tennis and an incredible expertise.”
Murray: Huge alternative for change
Tennis coach Judy Murray believes there’s a enormous alternative for change with the WTA Finals going down in Saudi Arabia for the subsequent three years.
“You couldn’t ask for a better shop window for tennis and especially for women’s tennis with the WTA Finals being here for three years and we need to max out on that opportunity whilst the role models and the top names in our sport are here,” Murray mentioned on Sky Sports activities Tennis.
“We need to raise awareness of the sport but underpin that with all the community engagement that we’re doing and say: ‘Come on, everyone can play.’
“This can be a huge alternative for tennis to be the catalyst for change in girls’s sport in Saudi.”
Gauff also revealed she had reservations about the WTA Finals moving to Saudi Arabia but hopes that tennis can bring about change.
“I am clearly very conscious of the state of affairs right here in Saudi. My view on it’s that I do assume sport can have a option to open doorways to individuals,” the 2023 US Open champion mentioned.
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Highlights of the WTA Finals match between Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula
“This is the first professional women’s tennis event held here. The WTA pledged for the next three years to help the Future Stars programme here in Saudi and introduce more Saudi women especially into the sport.
“I feel their objective is to have one million individuals enjoying tennis right here by 2030. So hopefully with that, individuals see us and see what we characterize, and hopefully that may enact extra equality.”
What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?
- WTA Finals Riyadh – (November 2-9)
- Belgrade Open – ATP 250 (November 3-9)
- Moselle Open, Metz – ATP 250 (November 3-9)
- Nitto ATP Finals, Turin – (November 10-17)
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