Fans Furious Over WTA Finals’ Poor Promotion as Gauff, Świątek, Pegula, and Anisimova Headline Riyadh Event
With just days left before the 2025 WTA Finals begin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fans of women’s tennis are once again venting their frustration over what they see as another disappointing promotional effort from the Women’s Tennis Association. Despite featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars — including defending champion Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova — the lead-up to this prestigious event has been alarmingly quiet.
Across social media, tennis enthusiasts have voiced dismay over the absence of key promotional traditions that usually signal the start of the WTA’s season finale. These include the iconic player photoshoot, the glitzy pre-tournament gala, and most notably, a live-streamed draw ceremony. Many believe these activities are essential to building excitement and honoring the top eight women who qualified for the year’s final showdown.
Unfortunately, the situation feels like déjà vu. Last year’s edition of the WTA Finals was similarly criticized for poor organization, last-minute announcements, and a lack of engagement with fans. Once again, the buildup has been so subdued that even diehard supporters are struggling to find official updates or media coverage of the tournament.
One disgruntled fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “It’s unbelievable that this is supposed to be the most prestigious WTA event outside of the Grand Slams. No live draw, no gala, no proper marketing — just silence. It’s embarrassing.” Another user compared the situation to the men’s ATP Finals in Turin, saying, “It’s heartbreaking when you see how much effort goes into promoting the ATP Finals every year. The WTA deserves the same level of attention and professionalism.”
The tournament’s location in Riyadh was meant to mark a new chapter for women’s tennis. The Saudi capital is hosting the WTA Finals for the second year in a row as part of a three-year contract designed to expand the sport’s global reach. However, fans argue that the move hasn’t yet delivered the excitement and exposure that were promised when the deal was first announced.
This year’s lineup is stacked with talent. The draw is split into two groups: the “Graf Group,” featuring World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Italy’s Jasmine Paolini; and the “Serena Williams Group,” which includes Iga Świątek, Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina, and Madison Keys. With such elite names competing, fans say it’s baffling that the event hasn’t received more publicity.
One recurring criticism is the WTA’s overall marketing strategy. Despite efforts to modernize its website and branding, many feel the organization has failed to capitalize on the momentum of its star players. A fan expressed this sentiment bluntly: “The WTA puts so much work into rebranding and website redesigns, but completely ignores how to promote the players and tournaments properly.”
This lack of energy is particularly noticeable when compared to the ATP Tour’s approach. The men’s season-ending Finals are treated as a major spectacle, complete with elaborate ceremonies, behind-the-scenes videos, player features, and consistent coverage across global sports media. By contrast, the WTA Finals have remained largely under the radar, leaving many questioning why the women’s tour is struggling to generate similar buzz.
Critics also highlight that the lack of a live draw stream and official photoshoot isn’t just a matter of aesthetics — it’s about giving fans an opportunity to connect with the players and feel part of the experience. The pre-event photoshoots and ceremonies help humanize the athletes, drive social media engagement, and create memorable storylines that carry through the week-long competition. Without these traditions, supporters feel detached from the event.
This isn’t the first time the WTA has faced backlash for its handling of major tournaments. In previous years, issues such as venue changes, scheduling chaos, and low attendance plagued the Finals. Many hoped that moving the event to Saudi Arabia, with its significant financial backing and new facilities, would resolve these concerns. Instead, the promotional silence has only deepened skepticism about whether the WTA is effectively managing its most important showcase.
As the first matches are set to begin on November 1, fans are calling for last-minute improvements — such as live media coverage, player interviews, and a stronger social media presence. While some acknowledge that hosting in a new region may come with logistical challenges, most believe that’s no excuse for the lack of visibility.
For now, the conversation surrounding the WTA Finals has been dominated not by excitement for the competition, but by disappointment in its buildup. The players, after battling through a long and demanding season, are ready to compete on one of tennis’s biggest stages. Unfortunately, many supporters feel that the stage itself hasn’t been given the spotlight it deserves.
As one fan summed it up: “These women work all year for this. They deserve a Finals that feels grand — not forgotten.”
