Women’s tennis is facing a major problem and finding an answer is proving difficult.

As debate continues over moving the WTA Tour Finals to Saudi Arabia, a familiar story has played out in recent days.

The world’s best players are all in Riyadh and the money they collect after their impressive seasons highlights their value, but a familiar problem is once again plaguing what should be the flagship event of the women’s season.

As was the case at the 2022 WTA Finals in Dallas, sparse crowds attended this year’s showpiece tournament after the controversial decision to move the event to Saudi Arabia.

The small crowds at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Saudi Arabia over the past two years may have been a warning about what to expect, but it wasn’t a good idea for a relatively small venue to have which some have suggested could be as few as 100. supporters present for some group stage matches.

While organizers dimmed the seat lights to mask the limited number of fans in attendance, the lack of cheers and echo from the broadcast confirmed that this event was not a big favorite with home fans.

“There has been a lot of debate about whether sporting events should be held in Saudi Arabia, but if we go beyond that and just view these WTA Finals as an event, it’s extremely disappointing when you have the best players in the world – Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff – performing in front of a crowd like that today,” former British number 1 Tim Henman said on Sky Sports.

“The organizers are in a privileged position here because they are not necessarily trying to make money from gate receipts.

“So they should go to the communities and to the schools because we need spectators here to see the best players and create that atmosphere.”

“I think it’s just disappointing. The way the event was organized, you look at the stadium courts, it’s absolutely fantastic, all the facilities, the training grounds, the restaurants, they have everything set up.

“So it’s just a little bit frustrating, and I think disappointing for the top eight players in the world that we didn’t have a better atmosphere.

“The first day went well, which was part of the Saudi weekend, but yesterday, having 300-400 people in a 5,000-seat stadium, it just doesn’t create the atmosphere that these great players deserve. »

There was widespread praise for the organization and facilities provided to the players, a step forward from the disastrous WTA Finals in Cancun last year, where a dismal pitch was prepared and strong winds had wreaked havoc at a hastily organized event after a late decision on the venue.

Yet even if we all accept that the main reason the WTA held its season-ending event in Saudi Arabia was about money, there is a harsh reality here that many will not want to discuss.

While men’s tennis events draw huge crowds around the world, the same cannot be said for women’s matches, which explains why we don’t see large-scale exhibition events featuring players.

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Whether it’s a matter of marketing or the harsh reality that male gamers are delivering a game that more people want to watch, it’s a problem that won’t go away.

Reports have emerged in recent weeks that a possible merger between the ATP and WTA is being discussed, on the basis that women’s football would only get a 20 percent share of revenue if they put share their business income, highlighting the wealth gap. division between men’s and women’s football.

Players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are big names in the tennis world, but they simply haven’t reached an audience like men’s greats Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner these recent years.

Changing this brutal reality won’t be easy and for now the WTA insists it is happy with how its Tour Finals are playing out in Riyadh, where larger crowds are in attendance for the semi-finals and the finale.

“We are pleased with the strong turnout on the opening day of the WTA Finals, with thousands watching from the stands,” the WTA said in a statement earlier this week.

“We have always anticipated a drop in attendance with the start of the Saudi working week on Sunday, but we expect numbers to increase as we approach the weekend. There is a good atmosphere and support from the fans.

“It’s important to remember that this is the first time a WTA event has taken place in Saudi Arabia, so we are introducing tennis to a new audience and that takes time to build.

“Our goal is to grow the WTA Finals and increase attendance over the duration of the three-year partnership.

“What we are sure of is that everyone who comes will enjoy exciting tennis and have a great experience.”

Finding a way to put the sexes on an equal footing is a dilemma that has been discussed since Billie Jean King secured women’s tennis a place at the pinnacle of tennis.

More than 50 years have passed since he broke through strong barriers, but there is little evidence that his final goal will ever be achieved.

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