Copyright bbc
When Camillo begins her new role on 17 November, she will inherit responsibility of several key issues faced by her predecessor. Simon drew praise in 2021 for what was widely seen as a courageous moral stance in suspending WTA events in China. It was a response to concern for Chinese player Peng Shuai, who disappeared from public view for three weeks after accusing a top Chinese official of sexual assault. But the financial consequences of the decision hit hard. Simon climbed down from his moral stance in 2023 and took the Tour back to China, then sought to plug the shortfall by picking cash-rich Saudi Arabia as the new host for its season-ending Finals. The move to a country where women's rights have historically been restricted was controversial, and with the Finals taking place in Riyadh again next week the Gulf state's influence will come under more scrutiny. The WTA agreed a three-year deal with the Saudis - who have provided record prize money of $15.5m (£12m) this year - meaning Camillo will be leading the discussion of what happens in 2027 and beyond. The Saudi investment also provides a significant boost to the WTA's commitment to securing equal prize money at all combined Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and WTA events by 2027 and all other major tournaments by 2033. The prospect of the WTA merging commercial assets with the ATP continues to be discussed, with the two governing bodies seemingly understanding the need for greater alignment around broadcast, data and sponsorship deals. The current fragmented landscape regularly leaves fans and investors confused and disillusioned. Significantly, the leadership of the WTA and the ATP was challenged in a lawsuit by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which has criticised the tours for neglecting the interest of its stars. The WTA knows the clear benefit of linking up with the richer ATP, but Camillo will not want her tour to lose its voice in decision-making processes and marketing opportunities as a result. Listening to concerns about scheduling and player burnout will also be high on Camillo's agenda. With her role meaning she leads both the players and tournaments, she will have to listen to the needs of both parties and strike a balance between driving revenue and the health of the stars whose talent generates it.
