The draw has been made, with the groups being finalized for the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun which is slated to begin on October 29. As is the usual norm, a gala pre-tournament ceremony was organized ahead of making the draw, with the top eight singles and doubles players from around the world, making it to the ceremony.
The players dressed up in a posh manner to pose for the photoshoot. Iga Swiatek was seen dressed in a chic red turtleneck attire while Aryna Sabalenka was cloaked in a white minidress with fur accents. Coco Gauff chose a natural makeup look along with a tropical white dress while the other players also attired in an exemplary fashion for the ceremony.
it’s the power pose for us 📸#wtafinals pic.twitter.com/sVMILEb6eK
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 28, 2023
The fans, enthralled with the way their favorite tennis stars dressed up, took to social media to express their reactions. One fan who was impressed with the way Maria Sakkari dressed up reacted, “Sakkari really channeling the Greek Goddess energy”, while another reacted to Swiatek, “Iga looks stunning in red”. Other players also received compliments from the fans for the way they styled up.
At the draw, Maria Sakkari and Jessica Pegula were drawn in the Bacalar group. Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka joined them in what can be termed as the group of death. Marketa Vondrousova and Ons Jabeur, the two finalists from Wimbledon were drawn in the Chetumal group along with Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek.
Karolina Muchova, who finished among the Top 8 and qualified for the event would be the notable absentee as she had to withdraw due to an injury. We are guaranteed to have a new champion, as Caroline Garcia couldn’t qualify to defend her title, after a poor year on the tour.
Marketa Vondrousova and Elena Rybakina troll WTA Finals stadium condition
Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova are upset with the situation concerning the stadium where construction work is still in progress. Both the players took to Instagram to take a dig at the mess in which the venue for the WTA Finals is, at present.
Rybakina indicated the continuation of poor management on the part of WTA through a post with the caption reading “…”, by sharing a video taken by the Professional Tennis Players Association(PTPA). Vondrousova trolled the state of affairs at the stadium, by sharing an image where the eight participants were seen as construction workers.
Where the players meet the 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙖 🌊
The world’s best are in Cancun for the GNP Seguros #WTAFinals! pic.twitter.com/qpJxGhoK5V
— wta (@WTA) October 28, 2023
The incomplete nature of the courts in Cancun is proving to be a cause of worry for players participating in the event, as they are being deprived of adequate practice. The current situation has meant that players had to arrive well in advance so that they could practice on the hotel courts instead of the actual courts.
The stadium not being ready on time, despite the expenditure of a whopping $6 million on construction works has caused frustration among players as well as fans. Being one of the most anticipated events on the WTA calendar, the facilities made available leave much to be desired and needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.