SUMMARY
- The ATP and WTA tour has been subjected to criticism for their decisions in recent times.
- Iga Swiatek was honest while confessing her thoughts about ATP supporting Alexander Zverev.
The sport of tennis has undergone various changes in the past few years. There have been talks of the administration being changed in the future. The ATP and WTA have been introducing new events and programs to accommodate the needs of players worldwide. Specific changes have caught the attention of a few players, such as Iga Swiatek.
Swiatek has been vocal about recent happenings in the game. She spoke about the ATP’s decision to include Alexander Zverev in the player’s council even though he is facing trial for domestic violence. She said, “For sure it’s not good when a player who’s facing charges like that is kind of being promoted.” Swiatek said the final decision rests with the ATP, not the players.
Swiatek was asked about Zverev’s domestic violence case
“It was confirmed overnight that Alexander Zverev will face a trial in Germany of domestic violence charges. He denies that. Is it appropriate that he continues to serve on the players council while that happens or… pic.twitter.com/X6yDJ31bNP
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2024
Even though the domestic abuse case is ongoing, fellow players elected Zverev to be a part of the council for two years. Investigators looked into the German player last year and allowed him to play while the investigation was ongoing. Fans have criticized the move, believing many players deserve more than Zverev to join the ATP Council.
Iga Swiatek opens up about Rafael Nadal being part of Saudi Tennis Federation
In the 2023 season, there were talks on ATP and WTA revamping the structure of the tour. The talks were reportedly held to push the game away from Middle Eastern investors. Swiatek was shocked to hear about Rafael Nadal being appointed as the brand ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. The Polish player addresses the rumors about sportwashing being present in Saudi Arabia.
Amnesty International accused the country of using sports to improve its poor reputation. Despite these findings, Nadal’s move was not expected. Swiatek said, “It should be up to the federations & the governing bodies who decide if we’re going to play there or not. I don’t know if it’s a good decision or not.”Nadal had said there was a lot of potential for the game in the country.
Iga Swiatek was asked about Rafa Nadal becoming an ambassador for Saudi Tennis Federation
“It was announced earlier today that Rafael Nadal is going to be an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Foundation. Given the nation’s track record on human rights, especially with women, how… pic.twitter.com/vfl7vJK2BH
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2024
As the brand ambassador, Nadal may also open a tennis academy in Saudi Arabia soon. There are now increasing chances of WTA finals being conducted in Saudi Arabia. The WTA players are unhappy with the sport’s growing influence in the Middle East. Although the funding is substantial, the situation and laws differ from those of other countries.