A poor attendance turnout at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has raised doubts about the country’s ability to host future events.
Featuring 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff and five-time major winner Iga Światek, the second day of action attracted roughly 400 people in the Gulf nation.
"This just really bums me the heck out, I don’t know how else to say it," wrote tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg on X.
"I know the WTA Finals is on a streak of underwhelming editions, but that shouldn’t lower standards or expectations for what the event can and should be for women’s tennis.
"This tournament was held at Madison Square Garden for 23 years ffs!"
This time last year, the WTA Finals were held in Cancun, Mexico, with poor crowd numbers and dangerous playing conditions making headlines.
Human rights issues have been a major part of the backlash around the event hosted in Saudi Arabia.
Despite originally sharing a different view, Sabalenka is more open to the move after participating in an exhibition.
"I expected something different. They treated us really well," Sabalenka said at the 2024 Australian Open. "It was a really amazing atmosphere in the stadium. They really like tennis.”
Former Grand Slam winner Caroline Wozniacki also spoke about the topic back in January.
"I obviously realise, the human rights and everything else, but I think when it's inevitable that they have so much money to put into sports," she said.
"When you're put in that situation, you can maybe make a change and do something positive."
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