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via Imago

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Sandstorm hits Saudi Arabia as it tries to ‘sports-wash‘ its image from oil pursuits and allegedly meager human rights. After hitting rock bottom oil prices during the pandemic, they had to look for alternatives. What’s a better alternative than the ever-growing sports industry? Let’s find out what the former coach of Serena Williams says about this.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports in recent times. With Vision 2030, the Kingdom looks to diversify its economy rather than sticking to the ‘liquid gold‘. However, several reports claim that Middle-East country is still plunged into the curse of human rights abuses. This is the exact reason for the concerns of all the pundits in the sports world. 

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Rennae Stubbs, the former coach of Serena Williams has a say on Saudi as a host

On 24 August, ATP announced that Saudi Arabia is going to host its first professional tennis event. The ‘Next Gen ATP Finals’ will be on its way to Jeddah at King Abdullah Sports City from 28 November to 2 December this year. The Kingdom will be the host of this tournament until 2027. There is talk about the WTA finals also going to the Middle-Eastern nation. But social media got flooded with reactions when news came that Saudi Arabia also wants to host the 2035 Women’s Soccer World Cup.

With women’s rights being a major concern in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it’s quite obvious for experts to raise their eyebrows. Here’s what Rennae Stubbs said about Saudi Arabia hosting a women’s tournament.

I thought about it and yep it’s the same as it’s always been! Hell no!” Stubbs tweeted. Saudi Arabia has been bidding for hosting rights across different sports in the world. According to BBC, they have already locked in a formal bid to host the 2034 Men’s World Cup. Though, the strict rules and harsh advisories to keep women away from driving in the past, dress regulations, and same-sex activities have always deterred them from being in the ‘good books‘.

The Gulf nation had already started to flex its muscles across different sports. While some are quite receptive to it, most of them are against it. But when Saudis put their money on something it involves high rewards too. Can the players shoo it away too?  

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READ MORE: Serena Williams’ Remarkable ‘Junior Final Destination’ Journey Unveiled in a Stirring Admission From the Childhood Coach

Williams’ former coach might not like it, but stars galore in a different sport in Saudi Arabia

The interest in sports in Saudi Arabia is not only restricted to one sport. They’ve been investing heavily in F1, Football, boxing, horse racing, and many more. Recently, they tried to skyrocket the viewership of the Saudi Pro League by signing the stars of football. They’ve signed former Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo & Karim Benzema along with Neymar Jr., N’Golo Kante, Laporte and many more But was it a success? 

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Let the Kingdom take care of its revenue. While we shift our focus back to tennis again. With the amount of money involved in this part of the world, it’s difficult for the tournament organizers to avoid drooling. But do you think the authorities must think twice before giving hosting rights to the controversial host?

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