Matt Payne
From the realm of international politics and human rights arose a complication for the Women’s Tennis Association Finals this year.
The WTA Finals have remained in limbo since the organziation suspended tournaments in China in December after Chinese star Peng Shuai shared a post online alleging sexual assault against a former Chinese government official. In the weeks after the post, Shuai was not seen publicly. The WTA and others openly wondered if she were safe in the oppressive communinst regime.
The conflict between the WTA and China remains unresolved.
Into the void stepped Fort Worth and Dickies Arena, which will now host the season-ending finals, beginning Oct. 31 and running through Nov. 7.
“The Dickies Arena and the city of Fort Worth have a proven track record of hosting world-class sporting and entertainment events,” WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon says. “We are excited to bring the WTA’s showpiece tournament back to the United States for the first time since 2005.”
The finale features the race's top eight singles players and doubles teams. This year will be the first finals event since 2020 and Fort Worth couldn’t be happier to have a play in it. The last two years were canceled due to travel restrictions during the pandemic.
Simon is right. Dickies has established a proven track record in just a short time, having put itself on the map for top-notch events ranging from concerts and sporting events. Since its opening in 2019, we’ve already seen the likes of Paul McCartney, Michael Buble, and KISS. For sports, we’ve been host to NCAA men’s basketball and U.S Gymnastics Championships. Soon, the Eagles, Chris Stapleton, Post Malone, and more will be in town.
“This location and venue for the 2022 WTA Finals will provide a fantastic experience for players and fans alike and offer a fitting finale as another exciting season on the Hologic WTA Tour comes to a close,” Simon says.
Fort Worth also has a proud history as a host to tennis events, including the 1992 Davis Cup final played at the Fort Worth Convention Center, then called the Tarrant County Convention Center. That event brought the likes of John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Jim Courier to downtown.
Ticketing details for the 2022 WTA Finals will be available soon via Ticketmaster.
