The WTA Finals in Cancun turned into a complete disaster, resembling the infamous Fyre Festival. The tournament, which was supposed to be a showcase of style and luxury, ended up being a chaotic mess plagued by tropical storms, disorganization, and poor decision-making. The decision to host the event outdoors during hurricane season near the coast was nothing short of comical, leading to a series of problems and a lot of frustration for the players.
The players, including Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula, had to endure challenging conditions, with matches being suspended and the final pushed back to Monday. The temporary venue was flooded, and the ballgirls worked tirelessly to clear the courts. Even before the weather took a turn for the worse, the players were already unhappy with the conditions. The tournament’s arrival in Cancun was marred by disorganization, with courts built on top of a golf course, leading to an uneven bounce and a sense of disrespect among the players.
The WTA’s chief executive, Steve Simon, came under increasing pressure as the chaos unfolded. The decision to host the WTA Finals in Cancun, made just two months before the start of the tournament, left many questioning the wisdom of the choice. The event’s tumultuous journey to Cancun, following the cancellation of the contract in Shenzhen, China, and subsequent venue changes, added to the sense of mismanagement.
The choice of Cancun as the host venue, with its lack of purpose-built facilities for a major tennis tournament, further compounded the problems. The construction of a temporary arena on the grounds of a luxury resort was rushed, leaving the players with an uncomfortable and unprepared match court. The conditions at the Finals highlighted the players’ ongoing grievances with the WTA, including concerns about pay, scheduling, and the overall treatment of players.
The scheduling of the WTA Finals in Cancun also created logistical challenges for the players, with some facing tight timelines to make it to other events. The stormy conclusion of the tournament, marked by Iga Swiatek’s victory and the boos directed at Steve Simon, underscored the need for change and strong leadership within the WTA.
The future of the WTA Finals remains uncertain, with the possibility of future venues and the ongoing debate about the values and principles the WTA represents. As the dust settles on the chaotic 2023 WTA Finals, the tennis world is left questioning the decisions and leadership that led to the Fyre Festival of tennis tournaments.