What WTA Tour stars look for in a tournament week hotel
WTA Tour professionals have revealed what it is they prioritise in a hotel when they are playing in a tournament.
Players will often sacrifice luxury and utilities in order to cut the distance they have to travel to the practice or play venue.
Anhelina Kalinina says that getting to the court and having enough balls to practice are her core needs as a player.
“There is not only one thing because you can have a good hotel but completely struggle to get to the courts, waiting an hour for transport,” Kalinina said.
“So what do we need for our jobs? Tennis courts, balls, and food.
“But for me, even if the hotel is not five-star, have enough practice courts and enough balls. Not just one can a day. Some tournaments give them easily, some give you two cans per day but that can be a problem too, because the balls can get old very fast. After 20 minutes of practice it’s fluffed up so much and you can throw it away like rubbish. Then you have no balls. What can you do?”
Liudmila Samsonova has a similar mindset when it comes to hotels and says that playing in New York can be a nightmare as it’s tough to get accommodation and it is a tough city to traverse quickly as well.
Asked what they key is for her when traveling, Samsonova said: “The distance between the hotel and the courts. This is the most important thing. I would stay at a worse hotel that is closer to site than a nice hotel farther away. New York can be difficult because of this.”
Poland’s Magda Linette says the best tournaments to play in are those where they quickly address player concerns and take feedback on board.
“It’s the big three: the site, hotel and transport. It’s a tough combination to get right. Transport, I don’t mind if I have to take a bus. But the other two things are important,” Linette said.
“I think the main thing is if you have a problem with something, how quickly can they help you? Even when things are not great, when you feel like they’re really trying, it’s OK. I think that’s why I feel really good in Asia because if you even have a complaint, they are on it. They’re really open to feedback and for me, that matters a lot.
“To me, the most important thing is usually the hotel so I can sleep well. And then how people are onsite, the energy. Lastly, the availability of the courts. I love when I can just have my proper rhythm and I can do everything and fulfill my daily maximum.”
For Anna Blinkova, the location of a good gym nearby is her No 1 priority.
When asked what sets different venues apart, Blinkova said: “The gym.
“I like it when there is enough equipment: bikes, medicine balls, mats, and more space so we can all fit. Sometimes the gyms are small and not all the players can have space. Same with the locker rooms. I like to have space. I like it when there are many courts for practice.
“Everything after that is a bonus. Friendly practice desk, good bed, good breakfast at the hotel. The food is good everywhere at the WTA Tour tournaments. I love visiting cities and I love to travel and take pictures. The standards at the tournaments are so good, I cannot really complain.”
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