Cancun Court Controversy Takes a New Turn as Aryna Sabalenka Draws Bizarre ‘Leather’ Parallel After Humbling Loss to Jessica Pegula

The WTA Finals is the biggest event of the year, barring the Slams. Players anticipate the tournament to have another chance of climbing higher in the rankings. However, the current version of the tournament is not up to the mark for the players. Several players have emerged to talk about the conditions of the hastily constructed court. After her disappointing second-round bout, Aryna Sabalenka also came forward to slam the conditions.

Sabalenka is joining the voice of many as she condemns the WTA for improper conditions. Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and even Ons Jabeur have spoken out about the quality of the court, which does not meet the regular standards. So what more did the reigning World No. 1 have to say?

Aryna Sabalenka expresses her disgruntlement

In the second round of the 2023 WTA Finals, Sabalenka faced Jessica Pegula. It was a chance for both to make sure they had the upper hand at entering the semifinals. However, Pegula was the one who walked away with the advantage after defeating the world number 1 in straight sets. Sabalenka lost 6-4, 6-3, and seemed to rest her verdict on the conditions of the court, which were unfavorable for her.

She said, “Well, I think this court fits perfectly for her. The bounce is super low. I think she feels much more comfortable in these conditions. On this court.. it’s like leather. You never know what’s gonna happen. If all those bounces will help you or play against you. I guess today was the day where it didn’t work well for me. But it’s okay. I still have a chance to pass the group. I’m trying to stay strong & motivated (smiling).”

READ MORE: Jessica Pegula Matches Serena Williams’ Astonishing Feat With a Spectacular Win Against Aryna Sabalenka in Cancun

The WTA top gun isn’t the only one with concerns and complaints over the WTA’s ramshackle preparations. The Belarusian beauty has joined the voice of many of her cohorts as they face the disadvantageous conditions in Cancun.

WTA players critique the courts in Cancun

The court conditions of the Finals have not been up to the mark of the WTA, as per many players. Sabalenka also talked about it after her first win, where she said that the preparations hardly matched the tournament’s prestige. Swiatek also stated that the conditions weren’t favorable. Along with it, no time to practice on the court makes it even harder for them to adapt. Jabeur, in a tone aimed at balancing critique while commending the efforts of teams who built it. 

Elena Rybakina also voiced her dissatisfaction after her first-round bout. While she said she was unhappy about the courts, it was too late to fix anything. Regardless of the conditions, she was focused on playing her best and making sure she could win her next bouts. 

Players are highly dissatisfied with the conditions, which will certainly cause considerable damage to the WTA’s reputation. How will they attempt to resolve the matter?

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