Sabalenka eased past Greece's Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-1 in her group-stage opener on Sunday, Oct. 30, but that didn't prevent her from taking aim at the organization.
CANCUN -- World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she feels"disrespected" by tennis' governing body and claimed the hastily-built court being used for the WTA Finals at the Mexican resort of Cancun is"not safe."
"As a player I feel disrespected by the WTA. I think most of us do. This is not the level of organization we expect for the Finals.Sabalenka claimed players were not allowed to practice on the court until the day before the opening.Cancun was only confirmed as the host city of the prestigious season-ending championship on September 7 after Saudi Arabia had reportedly been lined up to stage the event.
Sabalenka is trying to hold off second-ranked Iga Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion from Poland, to claim the year-end number one ranking. The triumph by Sabalenka ensures Swiatek must win the title to have a chance at the year-end top spot.