Iga Swiatek, along with other players, continues to express frustration with the WTA management’s decision to hold the 2024 WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. The World No. 1, especially, has doubled down on criticizing the WTA management for their decision-making.
In a recent interview, the Pole shared her thoughts on the ongoing negotiations between the WTA and Saudi Arabia.
Iga Swiatek (via Imago)
“I have learned that, no matter how many meetings we have, we do not have any decision-making power. I hope the WTA Finals will always be a great event, but I was wondering if the WTA will make any changes. They are still negotiating, but I am curious to know what will be done.” .
said Iga Swiatek via Puntodebreak
Swiatek disclosed that negotiations between the WTA and Saudi Arabia are ongoing, but she’s particularly curious about the developments in the coming months. Currently, she’s more focused on her tennis and doesn’t have the capacity to dwell on this matter.
However, it seems like the player inputs are not being taken seriously, and Swiatek is one of the first to have complained about this issue. With top players involved in the meetings, they seem to question their involvement as none of their opinions are being heard.
Iga Swiatek throws shade at the WTA management of tournaments
Continuing the interview with Puntodebreak, Iga Swiatek also spoke about the other ‘issues’ with the WTA management. Listing an example of the mandatory changes in the WTA tournaments, Swiatek hopes that the management would learn from their mistake and work towards the betterment of the players.
Sometimes it's uncomfortable. We have had a couple of situations where it would be good for the WTA to take lessons from what happened, such as the changes in mandatory WTA tournaments. It's a little hard for us because these are important issues for our calendar and our recovery time.Iga Swiatek added
With a very tight calendar, the players are finding it difficult to manage their recovery time and Swiatek hopes that in the future the WTA will consider their opinion and make changes.
Currently, the Pole has gotten off to a flying start at the Mutua Madrid Open and would be hoping to get her first Madrid Open title and start the clay season on a high. Known to be a dominant player clay, Swiatek has a lot of pressure to perform well and hopes to exceed everyone’s expectations. She has won her first match at Madrid and is set to face 27th seed Sorana Cirstea in the round of 32.
