Top tennis players have expressed surprise at the abrupt resignation of WTA chief executive Portia Archer, who stepped down after two years at the helm. The announcement came just days after Archer oversaw the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and as the tour searches for a new venue for its flagship event.
Swiatek Praises Archer's Leadership
Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2, learned of Archer's departure just before her first-round match at the Madrid Open, where she defeated Daria Snigur of Ukraine 6-1, 6-2. "I heard literally two minutes ago, so I really don't know why now and everything," Swiatek said. "We always had a good relationship. I felt like she listened to what we had to say and was really open-minded."
Sabalenka Expresses Surprise
Aryna Sabalenka, who held the No. 1 ranking for most of Archer's tenure, also expressed surprise after her 7-5, 6-3 win over Peyton Stearns. "I just [heard] that before going to the match," Sabalenka said. "I feel like she did a great job. I just want the best for the WTA tour and hopefully we are for a better outcome."
Mixed Reactions from Players
However, Belinda Bencic, the 2020 Olympic gold medallist ranked No. 12, appeared less enthusiastic about Archer's tenure. "I got the email like you, probably, yesterday, so I didn't know about it and I honestly didn't know her so well," Bencic said, smiling. "I didn't talk to her so much and she didn't talk to me so much."
Archer's Tenure and Key Decisions
Archer, an experienced sports executive who previously worked in the NBA's G League, was appointed CEO of the WTA in June 2024. She took her role months before the WTA Finals began its first of three years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The three-year deal expires this year and will likely move on from Saudi Arabia after the kingdom chose not to renew it, with the search on for a new location for 2027.
One of Archer's most high-profile decisions involved the case of Elena Rybakina and her coach Stefano Vukov, who was suspended by the WTA for alleged verbal abuse. Archer supervised the investigation and initial ban, which was later overturned. Rybakina had been critical of the WTA throughout the process and refused to pose with Archer for photographs after winning the WTA Finals last year.
Transition Plan Underway
Archer's resignation was communicated to WTA staff by its chair, Valerie Camillo, in an email on Wednesday night in Madrid. "I am writing to share that Portia has informed us of her decision to step down from her role as CEO, effective 20 April, ahead of her contract renewal," Camillo wrote. "We are working through a transition plan for the leadership of the WTA Tour and will share an update on this by mid-May."
The WTA now faces the challenge of finding a new CEO and securing a venue for its year-end finals, as well as maintaining player confidence in the tour's leadership.
