Categories: Tennis

WTA: Cancellation Flood: Tournament Organization Complains Full Tour Calendar

The organizer of the WTA Event in New Haven/Connecticut, Anne Worcester, complained about the great flood of cancellations last week. The American calls for more support from the WTA and a more structured calendar.

“Not only the week before the US Open, there were simply too many cancellations and tasks throughout the summer,” Worcester said.

This problem became apparent in New Haven last week. The top seeded Simona Halep cancelled her participation after two final entries in the two weeks before, the official reason was a strain on the Achilles tendon.

Ashleigh Barty, Kiki Bertens and Johanna Konta all cancelled due to a virus, two other seeded players were not present. Petra Kvitova won her first match, but had to give up in the quarter-finals with a shoulder-blading after one set.

Monica Puig walked to handshake a day later after only eight games. So Carla Suarez Navarro entered the final by not even playing four complete sets.

The winner, Aryna Sabalenka, received a cheque for 136,000 US dollars. At the US Open alone there is 20,000 US dollars more to be won for a third round entry.

“We have too many high-level tournaments on the tour,” Worcester said. “The waiver rule is far too loose. Players should only be allowed to withdraw on an international level in very discreet situations, which is currently too easy for all top 10 players.

In addition to the four Grand Slams, the WTA Tour includes four Premier Mandatories: Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Beijing. In addition, all players in four of the Premier 5 tournaments must serve. These take place in Doha, Rome, Wuhan, Montreal and Cincinnati.

Last but not least, participation in two of the twelve Premier Events, including New Haven, is mandatory.

“It’s disappointing when cancellations happen,” the WTA said in a statement. “We are confident that our calendar will allow players to create a tournament schedule that meets their individual goals while still providing an exciting product for our fans.

Worldsports

Recent Posts

Super trio wins overtime thriller

The Brooklyn Nets with their star trio win an overtime thriller against the Hawks. The…

4 years ago

Theis shines in Celtics win

Boston - National basketball player Daniel Theis and the Boston Celtics have impressively ended their…

4 years ago

Draisaitl makes club history

Leon Draisaitl shoots the Edmonton Oilers to victory with the last action. In addition to…

4 years ago

Is Rodgers leaving the Packers?

The Green Bay Packers just missed out on a spot in the Super Bowl. Now,…

4 years ago

Lakers false start despite Schröder gala

The Los Angeles Lakers start the NBA season with a defeat. The team around LeBron…

4 years ago

Quarterback nightmare Greene is dead

NFL legend Kevin Greene has died at the age of 58. He was one of…

4 years ago