WTA respond to ‘extremely disappointing’ attendances at Saudi Arabia Finals

The WTA have responded to criticism about attendances at the Finals in Riyadh this year, after just 400 spectators made way into the venue on Sunday.

There has been a lot of debate about the current WTA Finals, that are currently taking place in Saudi Arabia for the first time this year and will do so until 2026.

In this debate there have been some accusations of ‘sportswashing’, which is the use of sporting events to distract from poor human rights records.

However, the latest debate is associated with crowd figures in Riyadh, after just 400 people watched the action in the King Saud University Indoor Arena, that can fit upto 5,000 spectators, on Sunday.

Second day of the WTA Finals drew an embarrassingly tiny crowd of around 400 spectators, reopening the debate about the decision to bring elite tennis to Riyadh

✍️& 📹@simonrbriggshttps://t.co/zqnVdVU4Vb#TelegraphSport pic.twitter.com/yrkHzolH53

— Telegraph Sport (@TelegraphSport) November 4, 2024

This has created much conversation, with former British No.1 Tim Henman reflecting his own disappointment at the situation.

“There’s been plenty of debate over whether sporting events should be coming to Saudi Arabia,” Henman said on Sky Sports. “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.”

The definition of a FIGHTER 😤😤😤😤

The World No.1 @SabalenkaA is the first player into the #WTAFinalsRiyadh semifinals after defeating Paolini 6-3, 7-5! pic.twitter.com/UhIi6NK45m

— wta (@WTA) November 4, 2024

The WTA Finals are offering record prize money of $15million this year, with the cheapest ticket prices reported to be less than $9.

With criticism for the Riyadh Finals ramping up, the WTA have issued a statement and explained how they always anticipated having lower spectator numbers on Sunday, which is the start of the working week in Saudi Arabia.

“It’s important to remember that this is the first time a WTA event has been held in Saudi Arabia, so we’re bringing tennis to a new audience and that takes time to build,” said the WTA.

“Our aim is to grow the WTA Finals and build attendance over the term of the three-year partnership. What we are sure of is that everyone who comes will enjoy exciting tennis and a great experience.”

The statement concluded, “We’re pleased with the strong attendance at the opening day of the WTA Finals with thousands watching from the stands. We always anticipated lower attendance with the start of the Saudi working week on Sunday but anticipate that numbers will build as we approach the weekend. There is a great atmosphere and support from the fans.”

Action in Riyadh continues today, with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff facing one another in a bid to advance to the semi-finals.

Day 4 is upon us 😍#WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/laXng9vsKJ

— wta (@WTA) November 5, 2024

Inside the baseline…

The attendances in Riyadh have been low as expected, and although them being lower at the start of the Saudi working week makes sense, they have not been much better in any of the opening three days. Maybe interest in Saudi Arabia will grow throughout its three year contract, but it is clear that the main motive from the WTA for this event was the financial offerings.

READ NEXT: Novak Djokovic withdraws from the ATP Finals due to ‘ongoing injuries’

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