Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens has suggested that women’s tennis has been pushed to one side at a Premier event taking place weeks before the start of the Australian Open.
The Brisbane International has drawn criticism for their decision to play the early matches of the tournament on the outside courts and not on their premier court. The reason is because the venue is also hosting the brand new ATP Cup at the same time. A team tournament that features 24 countries playing across three cities.
Stephens, who is a member of the WTA Players council, was one of those forced to play on the outdoor courts on Tuesday. Losing in the first round to Russian qualifier Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. Speaking about the situation following her match, the American said she hopes there will be improvements made for next year.
“I think that having an ATP Cup at the same place that you have a premier tournament for the women is a bit challenging.” Said Stephens.
“I think that when you’re a No.1 player in the world who is going to play on the side court, I don’t think that that’s great.’
“We (the WTA) just weren’t in the conversation to even be considered. It was what the ATP wanted, they got what they wanted, girls to the side, that’s kind of how it always is.”
“I think it’s unfortunate,but we play and we do what we do and hopefully next year there will be some adjustments.”
The Brisbane International is by no means short of star quality this year. The field features six top 10 players. Including Ash Barty, Karolina Pliskova and Namo Osaka. The three highest ranked women in the world. It is categorised as a WTA Premier event with past winners including Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.
“Obviously, business is business, their priority was the ATP Cup.” Stephens states.
“I understand it’s a huge event and they might not have any options, which I also understand. But at the same time we’re playing a premier (tournament) here and when you have your, a lot of the girls in the top-10 that are playing here and they’re all playing on side courts, it’s not the greatest look.”
From Thursday women’s tennis will return to the premier stadium as the ATP Cup moves to the knockout stages in Sydney. Earlier this week, top seed Barty stated that she wasn’t bothered about where she plays her matches at the Queensland Tennis Center.
Despite voicing her concerns, Stephens has refrained from completely slamming organizers as she praised them for their hospitality.
“It’s not like they’re not trying. I think they’re putting on a great event for what they have, and obviously to accommodate men and women, the people that they have. It’s not a knock on them at all. I just think that in the future,women, like, it should be equal.” She concluded.
The winner of this year’s Brisbane International will earn $266,000 in prize money and 470 WTA ranking points.
