WTA Tour: ‘Fans have it good on the women’s side’

WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka delighted

Former British No 1 Laura Robson insists that fans of the WTA Tour are in for a real treat in 2023.

Robson and Barbara Schett discussed the prospect of an incredible season of women’s tennis.

The pair of ex-WTA Tour professionals believe that the current crop of players is loaded with potential stars.

“I think the fans have it good on the women’s side,” Robson said on a Eurosport video.

“When you look at the contrast and the play styles with Iga, Sabalenka, Jabeur… the list goes on.

“Even someone like Pegula, where I thought that this might be her chance. She is right up there as well with the top players, and I love that they’re all pushing each other along.

“Everyone thinks that they have a really good chance. It’s going to be a different challenge for Swiatek to defend all those points that she made in 2022. I’m looking forward to seeing how it pans out.”

Schett believes that the Australian Open was an indication that Iga Swiatek’s dominance of the WTA Tour is waning.

She feels that the field is as open as it has been in years which makes the 2023 season an intriguing prospect.

“What can people expect from the women’s tour? It’s all open,” she told Eurosport.

“Remember, Swiatek dominated the whole WTA Tour, but this year, I think it’s going to look very different.

“Of course, Iga will be in the mix, but there will also be Sabalenka, Rybakina, Pegula… it’s going to be very exciting and we’re going to see lots of different Grand Slam finals. That sole domination of Swiatek might finish.”

Another member of the Eurosport panel noted that having a player like Aryna Sabalenka win a Major is good for the game as entertainment.

Of course it would be John McEnroe advocating for a champion that roars.

“This is the great thing for women’s tennis, seeing that type of emotion and seeing the perseverance that she’s been able to work her way out of and keep going,” McEnroe.

“She’s a major talent and has been through a rollercoaster, and it’s great that she’s been able to emotionally rebound. You hear about [Naomi] Osaka in the last couple of years, and now you hear about Swiatek struggling emotionally.

“It’s nice to see someone who’s had a lot of difficulties coming out the other end doing something as big as Sabalenka did.”

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