Favourites dominate in crisis-hit WTA Finals

Title favourites laid on three 6-0 sets in a collective rush to victory at the controversy-marred ATP Finals in Cancun, Mexico.

Complaints from top players in the eight-strong field range from an unsuitable and hastily laid court to deeper divisions over income guarantees which have suddenly sprung up as issues.

There are quick, forgettable opening group wins for world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, her main rival Iga Swiatek and US Open champion Coco Gauff.

Sabalenka crushed Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-1, Swiatek overcame a slow start to finish off defending Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-6 (3), 6-0 and teenaged Gauff lost just one game against Ons Jabeur.

Sabalenka was not shy in her criticism of certain aspects of an event cobbled together after a plan to play for the big money in Saudi was shelved and Cancun came forward as a late fill-in.

“I’m very disappointed with the WTA and the experience so far at the WTA Finals. This is not the level of organisation we expect for the Finals.

“To be honest, I don’t feel safe moving on this court a lot of the time. 

“The bounce is not consistent at all and we weren’t able to practice on this court until yesterday for the first time. 

“It’s just not acceptable to me with so much on the line and so much at stake.”

Sabalenka added: “As a player I really feel disrespected by the WTA. I think most of us do.”

The duel between Sabalenka and Swiatek will be decided this week.

Sabalenka needs a 2-1 group play record to hang onto the top spot. But the Pole who lost the top ranking to Sabalenka at the US Open can claim it for herself by winning the title,

Main photo:- Coco Gauff cruised to easy win in Cancun by WTATennis.com