The ATP Finals is in full swing with home favorite Jannik Sinner and Paris Masters champion Alexander Zverev still unbeaten.
The ATP and WTA Finals, each a year-end showcase for elite players in their own right, have drawn contrasting experiences again this season.
Coco Gauff captured the WTA Finals title in Riyadh, marking Saudi Arabia’s first time hosting the tournament and any top-tier women’s tennis event.
Despite Gauff’s success, the event faced scrutiny on two fronts: pre-existing concerns about whether it was a viable city to host the event in, and an unfolding debate about the organization and fan turnout throughout the week.
The WTA Finals has often faced issues with lacklustre attendance and organization, and this year, crowd size remained a talking point, with fewer than 400 spectators on day two – something pundit Tim Henman called “disappointing”.
Tim Henman gives honest take on ATP Finals crowds
Gauff had high praise for the Saudi fans and the atmosphere – a sentiment echoed by Elena Rybakina, who noted positive energy from spectators.
In contrast to players having to fight back over allegations of a drab turn of events, the ATP Finals in Turin continued its form of presenting a slick, highly polished event, drawing substantial crowds.
Both Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner remarked on the electric energy from Italian fans, calling it a surprising but welcome boost.
Henman similarly noted the “phenomenal” turnout and atmosphere in Turin, underscoring the distinct appeal of the men’s year-end event.
He said on Sky Sports Tennis: “It has been absolutely phenomenal. The attendance is just off the charts. Absolutely packed. There is never a spare seat for any of the matches.
“That’s what you want, creating the atmosphere and the players really appreciate it when they go on court. The doubles guys don’t always get that but this is a great platform for them to perform on.
The stark differences between the two events highlight the challenges the WTA faces in securing a consistently high-quality experience for fans and players, especially when measured against the longstanding prestige and popularity of the ATP Finals.
Should the ATP and WTA Finals merge together?
A combined ATP and WTA Finals could elevate both events, creating a unified showcase for tennis at the year’s end.
This proposal, suggested by Andy Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey, argues that merging the events could increase fan engagement, streamline scheduling, and offer broader appeal.
Petchey noted that the current setup – with back-to-back Finals – can be overwhelming for viewers, making it harder to maintain excitement and engagement across both tournaments.
While the ATP Finals consistently draw large crowds and high energy, the WTA Finals have struggled with attendance and organization issues, as seen again this year.
A merged event could offer a more balanced and prestigious atmosphere for both tours, benefiting players and fans alike.
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