The 2023 Champions Tour kicked off on Sunday, and the world’s best tennis players criticized the WTA for the conditions that arose in Cancun.

>> VIDEO The best players in the world and an unpleasant surprise from the Tournament of Champions 2023

Aryna Sabalenko is disappointed with the conditions in Cancun: “I don’t feel safe”

The WTA decided late (in September) where this year’s competition would be held and reportedly spent $6 million to build a new arena in Cancun specifically for the event.

The organizers did not have time to put everything in order, the players practiced on courts provided by the hotel where they stayed, and Sabalenka expressed her disappointment with the playing surface in Mexico, although she clearly won the match against Maria Sakkari, goal 6 -0, 6-1.

“Honestly, this is another level of disrespect from the WTA to the players. Sometimes I don’t even feel safe walking on this earth.

This is not the level I expect from the Champions League. Thank you for this challenge that is now facing me, which is to learn to adapt quickly to the conditions.

Thank you for this, but know that I do not expect this from a tournament of this scale”, – Aryna Sabalenko at the press conference.

>> VIDEO Tournament of Champions 2023: world leader, crushing victory in debut

Olena Rybakina and the difficulties that arose at the Tournament of Champions 2023: “I don’t want to talk about the field”

After losing to Jesika Pegula (7-5, 6-2), Olena Rybakina talked about how the quality of the court affected the match.

“In general, it is not easy here. Everyone is struggling. Everyone is trying their best. As I said, I am not very satisfied with the conditions and organization of the tournament. I don’t really want to talk about the field. But, of course, this is not good. Certainly not for the Tournament of Champions.

Because everything was delayed and there was no time to fix something. The quality of the game was not the best because of the pitch. But, as I said, I tried to do my best” – Olena Rybakinaafter a match with Jessica Pegula.

What you need to know about the Tournament of Champions 2023

The 2023 Tournament of Champions takes place from October 29 to November 5 on hard court in Cancun, Mexico. Its total prize pool is $9,000,000, starting with the top eight players of the season, and the reigning champion is Caroline Garcia (she did not qualify for this year’s edition).

Bachelor group

1. Aryna Sabalenko (favorite 1) 1 win (average 2-0 sets)

2. Jessica Pegula (5) 1 (2-0)

3. Olena Rybakina (4) 0 (0-2)

4. Maria Sakkari (8) 0 (0-2)

Chetumal group

1. Iga Sviatek (2)

2. Coco Gauf (3)

3. Ons Jaber (6)

4. Marketa Vondrousova (7).