The semi-final of the Indian Wells 2024 delivered a blockbuster encounter as Coco Gauff and Maria Sakkari went head-to-head. However, many fans were left frustrated by the lack of proper coverage given to the match. Also, during the Emma Navarro vs Maria Sakkari quarter-final match, there were many empty seats in the stadium. There was similar discontent amongst the fans towards the WTA during the WTA finals in Cancun as well.
While the two American players were competing at the quarter-final stage, tennis fans expected better coverage and generally, more importance given to those two matches. However, along with rain delays and abrupt camera changes, fans could not enjoy the match properly. Despite being considered as one of the biggest tournaments on the tennis calendar, the Indian Wells media team has upset the fans.
A renowned tennis fan named Pavvy G twitted about the same on his social media account. The tweet suggested that the social media page of BNP Paribas failed to show the match points during the women’s semi-final. The fan also added that the tournament has shown the match points in every other game, however, they failed to do it for the Gauff vs Sakkari match.
The tweet ended with Pavvy G, asking for an equal playing field for everyone. Many tennis fans agreed with this opinion and shared their thoughts on the situation as well.
“So BNP Paribas have shown match points of almost every big match. Last night Maria Sakkari beat Coco Gauff in one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. It was the semi final. They decided not to show the match point. All I want is a level playing field for ALL.”
So @BNPPARIBASOPEN have shown match points of almost every big match. Last night @mariasakkari beat Coco Gauff in one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. It was the semi final.
They decided not to show the match point. All I want is a level playing field for ALL.
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) March 16, 2024
Instead they posted this https://t.co/ScqaW0o4tr
— कबीरा (@SecularTrainee) March 16, 2024
Not surprising. They don’t like when Coco loses. I don’t really understand the western tennis elite’s affinity for her.
— Michael G. Dorman (@Michael_Dorman_) March 16, 2024
I don’t think it was intentional. The game was interrupted for a long time due to the rain and resumed very late. Maybe that’s why
— JT (@ta47127160) March 16, 2024
They are usually quick with uploading the highlights on YouTube channel as well. First semi highlights posted 10 hours ago. Nothing yet on this second semi! ♂️
— B Azeem 24 ! (@BilalAzeemG) March 16, 2024
AWESOME!! Gauff has been propped up by the elites and has been given every advantage possible, it’s nice to see someone beat her.
— Jrssopvg (@Pavingtrader52) March 16, 2024
Many tennis fans felt that the Indian Wells 2024 team did not post a video because Coco Gauff ended up losing the match. While others felt that the rain delay and late finish could have played its part. However, majority of tennis fans believe that the Indian Wells team would have been quick to post the video of match point had Gauff won the match.
WTA and ATP offered to merge as per new Saudi Arabian deal
According to multiple media reports, Saudi Arabia has put forward a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ offer worth $2 billion to acquire professional tennis and merge the ATP and WTA Tours. The Saudi Arabian interest is growing in the last few years.
According to The Athletic, Saudi Arabia is close to hosting the WTA Finals for 2024 as well. This will only be a start of many tournaments in the Saudi kingdom, with Saudi Arabia looking actively at other opportunities. Rafael Nadal recently joined the Saudi rise as well by signing a multi-million dollar contract with them as well.
It will be interesting to see if the Saudi Arabian deal could change the ATP and WTA for the better. While fans have always had a strong view against the Saudi money, this offer could be too good to turn down. With the ATP and WTA needing money, a deal with Saudi won’t come as a big surprise.
