WTA CEO Steve Simon shared his thoughts on several topics making news in tennis recently, and he offered a look back on his own playing career, as well.
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On the WTA not having a lead sponsor since 2012:
SIMON: It is very difficult to sell a global package. There are very few companies that can act on a package of 56 events they are going to have activate behind.
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On whether the WTA will change how it notifies players about changes to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned substances list in light of the Maria Sharapova scandal (as Sharapova said she was unaware the drug she had been taking had been banned):
SIMON: We will look at everything and seek to improve it.
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On whether the WTA would seek to block Raymond Moore from ever working for a WTA event again:
SIMON: Yes, absolutely.
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On why if Moore’s words were so offensive the WTA operates in places like Dubai and Qatar, where women are often treated as second-class citizens:
SIMON: The WTA has brought a lot with respect to the progression, or involvement, with Dubai or Qatar. … The fact they embrace us being there reflects their intent to create social change.
■ On what he considers the biggest win of his playing career:
SIMON: In 1981; a mixed doubles match to qualify for Wimbledon. … I won 32 pounds for our first-round loss.
div style="text-align: right;">— Daniel Kaplan
