"We signed a three-year contract, but we would gladly stay here longer than we originally planned," WTA Director General Portia Archer said some time ago, adding in "The Athletic" that talks are underway to extend the cooperation beyond 2024-2026.
According to Rothenberg, the WTA's talks with the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation have ended in failure. This effectively means a move, and the organization is already searching for a new host for one of the most prestigious events on the tennis calendar, featuring eight of the season's best players.
Charlotte to take over the WTA Finals?!
According to media reports, North America is the new destination. Charlotte is the most frequently mentioned destination . Interestingly, the WTA Finals have been held on this continent for many years in the past, and outside the United States, the world's best tennis players have visited Mexico, among other places.
The previous tournament was won by Jelena Rybakina, who defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(0) in the final. In 2023, Iga Świątek emerged victorious, defeating Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-0 in the deciding set. In 2015, Agnieszka Radwańska triumphed, leaving Petra Kvitová in the dust—6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
Having the tournament in America would certainly be advantageous for the American players not so much for the Europeans and vice versa.
But given what's currently going on in the world with the war in the middle east, not to mention Saudi Arabia's horrendous human rights record and everything associated with that.
It's definitely for the best that it relocates where ever it ends up being hosted.
Even if it takes a few years to find a permanent home, it'll be better in the long run for the WTA and it's athletes.
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