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Iga Swiatek calls out WTA Finals over 'embarrassing' scenes

Iga Swiatek (pictured left) with opponent Daria Kasatkina and (pictured right) Swiatek during an interview.
Iga Swiatek (pictured left) said she hoped the attendance would pick up at the WTA Finals after the first two days was played out in front of low crowd numbers. (Images: Getty Images/Twitter)

World No.1 Iga Swiatek has called for more energy in the crowd at the WTA Finals a day after her match was played out in front of a small crowd.

Swiatek defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-3 in her first round WTA Finals match at Fort Worth, Texas.

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However, Swiatek took notice of the crowd attendance and alluded to the match a day prior.

The lack of fans in attendance for America Jessica Pegula's match against Maria Sakkari on Monday had tennis experts concerned.

Pegula, America's No.1 ranked player at the moment, has a real chance to take the title in Fort Worth.

However, the lack of spectators at the event prompted commentators and fans to condemn the 'embarrassing' scenes.

There did appear to be more fans watching Swiatek starting her campaign.

And the Polish star was dominant to mark her first win.

However, even the World No.1 pointed out the lack of atmosphere was noticeable on court.

"Hopefully we are going to see a full house soon, but yeah," a perplexed Swiatek said in her post-match interview.

American sensation Coco Gauff also walked out with large portions of the stadium empty, but the crowd attendance had improved.

Regardless, this prompted the tennis world to once again question the spectacle for what is the final big event in the WTA calendar.

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A day earlier, there were farcical scenes when Pegula's clash with Sakkari commenced in a mostly empty arena, with only a handful of spectators in attendance.

There were only a few hundred spectators scattered around the stands at the outset, leaving thousands of empty grey seats.

The court side radar readouts also initially displayed serve speeds in kilometres per hour instead of the more US-friendly miles per hour, which was quickly changed.

Reigning US and French Open champion Iga Swiatek is seeking her ninth WTA title of the year and her 12th career crown at the WTA Finals.

The $5 million indoor hardcourt event will feature the world's eight top-ranked women's singles players and doubles teams with group-stage matches through Saturday setting up semi-finals on November 6 with the title matches on November 7.

An unbeaten run to the singles crown is worth $1.68 million, but after making her Finals debut last year, Swiatek knows it's a unique challenge compared to the usual WTA tournaments.

with AAP

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