Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have recently expressed their strong opposition to the idea of holding the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a joint opinion piece published in the Washington Post, Evert and Navratilova emphasized that such a decision would contradict the fundamental principles of women’s tennis and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) itself.
Evert and Navratilova shed light on Saudi Arabia’s disturbing record of human rights violations, particularly concerning women and the LGBTQ community. The country’s patriarchal society has perpetuated a system of male guardianship, effectively treating women as property. Furthermore, the criminalization and harsh treatment of individuals belonging to the LGBTQ community reflect a blatant disregard for basic human rights.
The tennis legends urged the WTA to engage in an open and honest discussion before making any commitments regarding the location of the finals. They proposed that human rights experts provide presentations to players, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Additionally, Evert and Navratilova emphasized the importance of implementing a human rights framework to safeguard the well-being of players if the event were to be held in Saudi Arabia.
The speculation surrounding a potential partnership between the WTA and Saudi Arabia began last year. Riyadh was even considered a possible host city for the 2023 WTA Finals, but due to extensive backlash and criticism from Evert and others, the event took place in Cancun, Mexico instead. However, reports now suggest that the 2024 tournament, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles pairs, will indeed be held in Riyadh later this year.
Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki expressed her belief that hosting the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia could potentially contribute to positive change in the country. While acknowledging the concerns regarding human rights, Wozniacki emphasized the enormous financial resources available in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that such a situation might create an opportunity for progress and improvement.
Evert and Navratilova emphasized that they would be more open to playing in Saudi Arabia if substantial change were to occur in the country. They believe that revisiting the values upon which the WTA was established is crucial. Holding a tournament in Saudi Arabia, according to the tennis legends, would represent a regressive step detrimental not only to women’s sports but to women in general. They expressed the hope that, within the next five years, the necessary changes will happen, enabling them to endorse engagement in Saudi Arabia.
While Evert and Navratilova openly criticized the potential collaboration between the WTA and Saudi Arabia, it is important to note that other influential figures within the tennis world have actively pursued relationships with the Middle Eastern nation. The ATP held its 2023 Next Gen Finals event in Jeddah, and the city was announced as the host for the year-end event until 2027. Prominent players like Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, and Carlos Alcaraz have participated in exhibition events in Riyadh, and Rafael Nadal has recently been appointed as the ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.
The opposition from tennis legends like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova highlights the serious concerns regarding holding the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. The duo’s joint opinion piece serves as a reminder that women’s tennis and the WTA should prioritize their values and actively promote human rights. While the broader tennis community may have varying perspectives on engaging with Saudi Arabia, there is a growing call to ensure that principles and progress are placed ahead of financial gains.
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