Iga Swiatek responds to criticism of ‘extremely disappointing’ WTA Finals crowds
Iga Swiatek claimed a sparse crowd at the WTA Finals made things “easier” for her amid heavy criticism of the lack of spectators at the year-end championships.
Day two of action in Riyadh was headlined by Swiatek, who rallied from a set and a double break down to defeat Barbora Krejcikova before Coco Gauff beat compatriot Jessica Pegula in straight sets.
However, attention was split between action on the court and the lack of fans inside the King Saud University Sports Arena.
The arena can hold up to 3,000 spectators at full capacity and was reportedly 75% full during the opening day action, though some journalists on site estimated that just 400 fans attended on Sunday.
Among those leading criticism of the lack of fans was Tim Henman, who is on-site as part of the Sky Sports commentary team.
Commentating on Swiatek and Krejcikova’s match, the former world No 4 slammed the “extremely disappointing” attendance.
He said: “There’s been plenty of debate over whether sporting events should be coming to Saudi Arabia.
“But if we move past that and just look at this WTA Finals as an event, it’s extremely disappointing when you’ve got the world’s best players – Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff – performing in front of a crowd like that today.
“The organisers here are in a privileged position where they’re not trying to necessarily make money out of the gate receipts.
“So they should get out into the communities and into the schools, because we need spectators here to witness the best players and create that atmosphere.”
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Asked about the lack of fans in her post-match press conference, world No 2 Swiatek admitted that the lack of spectators had been noticeable during the match – but she was not too disappointed.
“Obviously,” Swiatek commented when asked if she would have liked more fans.
“But I think it was also comfortable for me because it was my first match after a break, so the fact it wasn’t super crazy also made it easier kind of for me.
“I think there’s gonna be more crowd [across the week]. I guess today is the first working day because they have their weekend on Friday and Saturday, so we’ll see how it’s going to go in the next days.”
Wimbledon champion Krejcikova, who Swiatek beat 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, also claimed the atmosphere was “nice” despite the limited number of spectators.
She added: “I think it was nice. I mean, there weren’t that many fans, but I think they made a nice atmosphere, and they were rooting for both of us, and it was nice.”
Swiatek will next face Gauff on Thursday, with the American fresh off an impressive 6-3, 6-2 over US Open finalist Pegula.
Meanwhile, Krejcikova and Pegula will face off in likely a must-win match for both women.
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