Reviews from Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina The WTA defends the quality of its field in Cancun

(Cancún) The professional women’s tennis circuit defended the quality of its field at the WTA Finals, recalling that it respects “strict performance criteria”, after world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka criticized the organization and its ” lack of respect “.

At least two of the eight players present at this competition which started on Sunday complained about the temporary pitch which was installed outside. In particular, they stated that it was only completed at the last minute, preventing them from adequately preparing for the competition.

“Honestly, I have the feeling that the WTA lacks respect towards the players, because they do not feel safe at the idea of ​​having to play for a long time on this court,” said Sabalenka, who crushed the Greek Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-1 on Sunday on the first day of the tournament.

“I have to thank you for this challenge, which consists of having to adapt quickly to the playing conditions. Thank you for everything. But that’s not what I expect from such a tough tournament,” continued the woman who won the Australian Open in January and was a finalist at the United States Open in September.

“And I’m very happy to be able to ignore all this,” concluded the Belarus player.

2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who was also in action in the tournament curtain-raiser, said after her straight-set loss to Jessica Pegula: “I don’t really want to discuss the court, although, of course, it’s not very good… Everything was done at the last minute, and there wasn’t enough time to make fixes. »

The venue for the WTA Finals was revealed last month, following a year-long deal with Cancun.