As the WTA Finals approach, excitement is in the air with a stellar lineup featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Qinwen Zheng, Barbora Krejcikova, and Jasmine Paolini. Fans are eager to see these stars shine, especially with comebacks from Swiatek and Rybakina and some intense rivalries brewing. However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm, “The WTA Finals in recent years have been a minor event”

Back in April, of TennisMania, Guido Monaco highlighted the confusion surrounding the tournament’s location, noting that “No one knew where it was until a few months before.” Despite lavish prize money—like the $14 million offered in Shenzhen—the Finals have struggled to maintain their prestige since the pandemic. With venues bouncing from Mexico to the USA and now landing in Riyadh for 2024-2026, he questioned the overall strategy: “Given that the Finals have a meager program, why not put the two events together?”

Monaco criticized the event’s recent performance as “disastrous,” emphasizing that it requires “more effort on the part of the WTA to do better.” He pointed out that relying solely on star power is no longer enough, “A Serena Williams can’t always come along and attract that much attention.” During her time in the WTA Finals, Serena boosted the event’s profile by winning five titles, showcasing her dominance and bringing global attention to women’s tennis.

Serena Williams‘ success raised expectations about the overall appeal of women’s tennis. As Monaco pointed out, perceptions of player performance can sometimes overshadow their achievements. “I’ve always heard the talk about them playing badly,” he said, adding, “My veins close, it’s tennis, it’s high level, make an effort, it’s worth it.” On a positive note, the current WTA roster boasts more talented players than ever before. Monaco noted that “rivalry was lacking,” but now “the women’s level has stabilized incredibly in recent years.”

Over recent years, players have faced significant challenges, including last-minute host city decisions and inadequate facilities. Last year, Aryna Sabalenka voiced her frustration, saying she felt “disrespected” by the WTA due to the late announcement of Cancun as the venue for the 2023 event, which rushed court construction leaving players feeling unsafe. However, this year looks promising with Garbine Muguruza stepping in as the new director of the WTA Finals. She’s gearing up to implement much-needed changes for the players’ benefit.

The new WTA Finals director steps up to the challenge.

Garbiñe Muguruza is now at the helm as the newly appointed tournament director. In her vision for the event, she emphasizes the importance of the players’ perspective, stating, “I can bring the player’s perspective to the event. This is something the WTA didn’t have before.”

Muguruza aims to ensure that players feel supported and have everything they need to thrive, highlighting her commitment to creating a memorable experience. She believes that the finals should be “the most glamorous and prestigious event because I think the players deserve it.”

Muguruza’s experience as a two-time Grand Slam champion fuels her ambition to elevate the tournament. Having clinched titles at the French Open and Wimbledon, she knows what it takes to succeed on the biggest stages. Now, she’s channeling that knowledge into her new role. “I’m trying to bring everything I would like to see if I were a player,” she shared, expressing her desire for players to feel the crowd’s energy and excitement.

As fierce competition brews among top players like Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff, Muguruza is determined to make their experience unforgettable. “I definitely want to make the players feel so happy that when they leave from Riyadh, they’re going to be like, ‘This was a great experience,’” she added.

With such high stakes and a talented roster ready to compete, the upcoming WTA Finals promise to be an exhilarating showcase of women’s tennis. The combination of Muguruza’s fresh perspective and the fierce rivalries among players sets the stage for an unforgettable event.

As fans eagerly await the action, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Could this year’s Finals redefine what it means to compete at the highest level in women’s tennis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!