Coco Gauff stated that building interest for the WTA Tour Finals in Saudi Arabia will take time, citing Sunday’s low attendance of around 400 people despite affordable ticket prices. The event faced challenges, including coinciding with the start of the workweek. The WTA noted this inaugural event would evolve, but skepticism remains as former tennis greats express disappointment in spectator turnout and promotion efforts.
Coco Gauff, the World No. 3 women’s tennis player, has emphasized the gradual nature of building interest for the WTA Tour Finals in Saudi Arabia. Gauff likened this scenario to the growing popularity of the WNBA, suggesting that Sunday’s modest attendance of only about 400 spectators was indicative of “growing pains.” The arena, which can accommodate 5,000 people, lacked the expected vibrancy, contrasting with the near-full capacity of the previous day’s event. Despite the subdued atmosphere, Iga Swiatek expressed a certain appreciation for the calm during her match against Barbora Krejcikova. Gauff later faced Jessica Pegula in what was considered a lackluster match devoid of a lively crowd atmosphere. The WTA acknowledged that this was the inaugural event of its kind in Saudi Arabia, indicating that it would take time to cultivate interest in the sport. They noted that lower attendance was anticipated due to the event coinciding with the start of the Saudi workweek, projecting that interest levels would rise as the weekend approached. However, skepticism remains among tennis insiders regarding this potential turnaround.
The WTA Finals represents a significant shift as it marks the first time this prestigious tennis event has taken place in Saudi Arabia. Sports events in the country often attract critical attention, particularly regarding the local environmental, social, and cultural dynamics. This inaugural event has witnessed low attendance, sparking discussions around potential causes, including unfamiliarity with tennis in the region. Notably, challenges faced in previous locations such as Texas and Cancun due to last-minute arrangements also contribute to concerns about promoting and securing a robust audience for such high-caliber matches.
The attendance challenges faced at the WTA Tour Finals in Saudi Arabia raise questions about the event’s ability to capture local interest. While players like Gauff and Swiatek adapt to the quieter arena atmosphere, broader concerns linger regarding the event’s potential in the region. With the WTA acknowledging the need for gradual development of interest, the future of tennis in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain, especially in light of past attendance issues in other locations. Stakeholders hope for better promotion and engagement strategies moving forward to attract more spectators.
Original Source: www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
