“Just Ridiculous”: Ashleigh Barty’s Coach Against WTA Finals Venue

Two-time grand slam champion Ashleigh Barty, who was on a roll after winning Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Masters before heading into the US Open, was defeated in the third-round with a spirited performance from American tennis player Shelby Rogers.

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Both Barty and Rogers had a fierce battle, especially in the tie-breaker of the final set, and Rogers didn’t bow down to the Australian in crucial moments. Despite the defeat, Barty is still one of the players to beat on the WTA tour as she won five titles so far(Melbourne, Miami, Stuttgart, Wimbledon, and Cincinnati Masters).

Also, she is leading the race to the WTA finals to be played during the week of November 8. Even though Barty isn’t mathematically qualified for the tournament yet, it’s evident she will be one of the eight players to be entering the event.

Usually, the WTA finals would be held in Shenzhen, China. Due to the health situation over there, the WTA announced this week that the tournament will be moved to Guadalajara in Mexico for this year alone.

“Not the best advertisement” – Coach Craig Tyzzer on WTA Finals being moved to Guadalajara this year

Talking about the shift in the venue for the marquee tournament, Barty’s coach Craig Tyzzer told that he was not sure whether the Australian will be interested to play the Mexico event.

“We just realized that it is in Mexico, at an altitude of 1,500 meters, and that they use pressure-free balls there. It is a ball which, if you use it under normal conditions, does not bounce. It is not the best advertisement for the best players in the world to play in conditions they have never experienced before”, commented Tyzzer.

Tyzzer also reflected on the quarantine that’s about to begin Australia before the Australian Open starts early next year.

Ashleigh Barty is yet to decide on playing WTA Finals, plans to play Indian Wells next month

“It’s not easy for us to go and play this tournament in Mexico and then come back to Australia with two weeks of compulsory quarantine to do. Your summer (the offseason in Australia) is sort of ruined”,   continued the coach.

Craig Tyzzer lamented about this sudden shift in location for the year-end finals as the unsuitable conditions might trouble players.

“Unknown conditions, a country where they have never played, I think it’s just ridiculous. As a spectacle, it’s just scary”, concluded Craig.

With Tyzzer’s reaction, it will be interesting to see what Barty decides before announcing her decision on the year-end finals. Currently, the Aussie is planning to play the Indian Wells Masters next month.

Also read: World No.43 Shelby Rogers Ousts Top Seed Ashleigh Barty at US Open 2021 R3