"DID NOT EXPECT THIS FROM GARBINE MUGURUZA"; "NOT A GOOD LOOK" - FANS DISAPPOINTED WITH SPANIARD BEING NAMED TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR OF WTA FINALS RIYADH

Tennis fans were left feeling disappointed as Garbine Muguruza was announced as the tournament director for the WTA Finals, which will take place in Riyadh. The women's year-ending tournament will be held in the capital city of Saudi Arabia for three consecutive years, from 2024 to 2026, with the Spaniard serving as the tournament director throughout this period.

Earlier this year, Riyadh was chosen as the host city for the WTA Finals for the next three years. The 2024 year-ending Finals is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 9 and the top eight singles players and the doubles teams in the world will compete there.

Most recently, it was revealed that Garbine Muguruza, the 2021 WTA Finals champion who defeated Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 7-5 in the final, will be stepping into the role of tournament director for the WTA Finals Riyadh.

As the tournament director, the former World No. 1 will work with the WTA, the Saudi Tennis Federation, and the Ministry of Sport to oversee the strategic planning and execution of the tournament in Riyadh.

Many tennis fans expressed their discontent with Muguruza's appointment and took to social media to express their disappointment over the Spaniard's decision to take on the tournament director's position.

One fan stated that it was a "bad look" on Muguruza's part to take up a management role at the WTA Finals in Riyadh and stated that they had not expected her to do it.

"This is the reason for retirement. Did not expect this from her. Bad look, Gabbie," a fan posted on Reddit.

Several fans pointed fingers at Rafael Nadal, who earlier this year was appointed the Ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, and suggested that he might have influenced Muguruza's choice to lead the tournament in Riyadh.

"Yeah, not a good look for her. But I guess if any (recently) retired player could be susceptible to a mind-trick from Nadal, and the cash that comes with it, it would be a compatriot such as her. I'm almost certain he contacted her beforehand about a move like this," a fan wrote.

"Lol she made sure to have her ceremony before breaking the news," a fan posted.

"I wonder if she was recommended to them by her compatriot," a fan wrote.

Many fans admitted they were surprised by Garbine Muguruza's unexpected move into taking up the role of the tournament director.

"Sad to see," a fan posted.

"Didn't see that coming," a fan wrote.

"So this is why she retired," a fan posted.

GarbineMuguruza on being appointed tournament director of WTA Finals Riyadh: "Excited to present a showcase for women's tennis"

Garbine Muguruza said that she understands the significance the WTA Finals has on the players on the WTA tour. She also stated that as the tournament director of the year-ending tournament in Riyadh, she will work towards inspiring communities globally.

"I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to the future of this great sport as Tournament Director of the WTA Finals Riyadh. I know how special this event is for our top players, and I've also seen its potential to inspire communities all over the world," Muguruza said.

Muguruza also stated that she is excited to showcase women's tennis and, in turn, encourage girls and women, to pursue their dreams

"I'm excited to work with a great team to present a showcase for women's tennis that not only grows tennis but encourages all fans, and especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams," she added.

2024-06-27T18:11:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd