Kaitlin Quevedo’s stellar Guangzhou Open run has been swallowed by a controversy that has nothing to do with her tennis. After the Spanish No. 3 was stopped from wearing a black armband in memory of the victims of Spain’s recent train disaster, fans have directed their outrage toward the WTA.
The armband was for Quevedo’s quarterfinal against Jil Teichmann, which took place two days after two high-speed trains collided near Urda, in Toledo province, killing 69 people in Spain’s deadliest rail accident since 2013. The 20-year-old wanted to wear the black armband to pay tribute to the victims.
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However, the tournament and the WTA refused, citing the tour’s symbols and slogans policy, in force since October 1, 2024, which bars players from displaying anything tied to a cause unless the WTA backs it.
Tennis journalist José Morón denounced the “incomprehensible” decision by the WTA and highlighted the discrepancy between the two tours, pointing out that the ATP had allowed Rafael Jódar to make the same gesture during his Swiss Indoors Basel campaign.
“The WTA prevents Kaitlin Quevedo from wearing a black armband today in mourning for the victims of the train accident in Toledo. An incomprehensible decision showing a total lack of sensitivity. They hide behind a rule that prohibits using the color black for such gestures and requires prior permission. The ATP did allow Jódar to wear that armband in Basel. There is an eon’s distance between the ATP and WTA,” Morón posted on X (translated from Spanish).
Fans echoed Morón’s sentiments and criticized the WTA for the “disgraceful” move.
“Disgraceful decision,” one fan commented.
“Three squirrels in a trench coat could run the WTA more effectively at this point,” another fan chimed in.
Others called out what they saw as double standards, comparing the refusal with symbols allowed for other causes, Ukraine in particular.
“WTA as disgusting as always, but Ukrainians can wear anything they want…shame on u wta,” one user posted.
“Wasn’t Swiatek able to wear a Ukraine ribbon for like 3 years? What’s the difference?” another fan wrote.
“They also banned Zeynep Sonmez from wearing anything to support Palestine but then decided to give all players Ukrainian ribbons to wear to support Ukraine – the real problem is the people who run the organisations,” said yet another.
WTA allows Kaitlin Quevedo to honor the train crash victims at Guangzhou Open
Kaitlin Quevedo was aiming to win her second tour-level title of the season at the Guangzhou Open. She defeated Sofia Kenin 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 in her opening match and then claimed a 7-5, 6-3 win over Anna Bondar in the round of 16. The 20-year-old advanced to the semifinals after beating Jil Teichmann 7-6(2), 6-3 in Friday’s quarterfinal, the match she had hoped to play wearing the armband.
The WTA later allowed Quevedo to wear her black armband in memory of the Toledo train collision victims during her semifinal clash against Lilli Tagger. Tagger dominated the showdown, securing a 6-2, 6-0 victory to set up a meeting with Harriet Dart in the final.
Kaitlin Quevedo will be in action at the Hong Kong Open next. She is set to take on fellow Spaniard Paula Badosa in her opening match at the WTA 250 event.
Edited by Urvi Mehra
