Coco Gauff noted that building interest in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia would take time, likening it to the WNBA’s development. Attendance was low at approximately 400 on Sunday, despite affordable ticket prices, leading to remarks about the ambiance and promotion of the event by both players and commentators. The WTA recognized the challenges of introducing tennis to a new audience and anticipated better turnout later in the weekend.
Coco Gauff, the World No. 3 women’s tennis player, remarked that generating interest in the WTA Finals held in Saudi Arabia would be a gradual process, drawing parallels to the experience of the WNBA. Despite the inaugural event’s attempt to attract spectators with inexpensive tickets, attendance was notably low, with approximately 400 attendees on Sunday, contrasting sharply with a more populated Saturday crowd. Iga Swiatek expressed her enjoyment of the peaceful atmosphere of the nearly empty stadium, as she secured her victory over Barbora Krejcikova. Gauff voiced that their subsequent match lacked ambiance, yet the players did not attribute their performance to the sparse audience. The WTA acknowledged the unique challenges of introducing tennis to a new demographic and anticipated increased attendance as the event progressed into the weekend. Patrick Mouratoglou, a prominent WTA coach, commented on the need for better promotion of significant events within women’s tennis. At the same time, Tim Henman, a former tennis star, criticized the choice of Saudi Arabia as the host for the WTA Finals, notably emphasizing the disappointment regarding the turnout. He highlighted that despite featuring elite players like Gauff and Swiatek, the spectators present were minimal. Concerns were also raised by a Sky Sports commentator regarding the numerous countries that could have attracted larger audiences without the necessity of educating locals about tennis. The prior WTA Finals editions in Texas and Cancun also faced similar attendance issues, though Henman pointed out that the Riyadh event had the advantage of advanced planning compared to its predecessors.
The WTA Finals, a prestigious women’s tennis tournament, recently took place in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time such an event has been held in the country. This occasion has sparked discussions about the potential for broader interest in women’s tennis within Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of its cultural landscape. Attendance at the event has been lackluster, raising questions regarding promotional strategies and the effectiveness of introducing tennis to new audiences in this region. Past events in Texas and Cancun bore similar attendance issues, indicating potential systemic challenges facing the tournament’s organizers.
In summary, while the WTA Finals have made their debut in Saudi Arabia, the low attendance figures highlight significant challenges in generating local interest in women’s tennis. Players and commentators have voiced concerns over the event’s visibility and the promotional strategies employed. This inaugural event serves as a critical examination of how to engage new audiences in tennis while ensuring that elite players receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Original Source: www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
