Saudi Arabia is currently placed at 131st place out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report of 2023. There have been several complaints about the abuse of women’s and LGBTQ rights reported from the country over the past few years. Critics have accused the nation of ‘sports-washing’ the image of meager human rights. The Kingdom has spent almost $6.3 Billion on sports with heavy investments in golf, soccer, and F1. Now, Saudi Arabia has set its eyes on the racket sport. Let us find out what Billie Jean King and other prominent names in tennis have to say about women’s tennis in Saudi Arabia.

With the announcement of Saudi Arabia as a host of men’s Next Gen Finals from 2023 to 2027, women’s tournaments could also possibly end up in the Middle Eastern nation in the future. Billie Jean King had earlier urged WTA to push for a social change in the Kingdom if they decide to move a tournament there. Now the founder of WTA comes up with a new revelation.

Billie Jean King reveals the harsh reality of WTA moving to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia already hosts the Diriyah Tennis Cup. Some of the best tennis players turn up to compete against each other in this tournament. Last year’s winner, Taylor Fritz took home $1 million as the prize money. Saudi Arabia is now looking to take over the prestigious events in Miami or Madrid in the near future. Why is the WTA tour also looking to go there? BJK has the answer.

She reveals, ‘70% of the population is under 30. My understanding from everyone I listen to is that these younger people want change. Saying that I don’t really know what it’s like coz I haven’t been there. And if we could help change those 30 and under which is 70% of the country. Will it be worth trying or not? I don’t know what the answer is. But my personality- I’m gonna go find out probably. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have all these things we have without going where I’m actually afraid to go. Like facing fears. I don’t know but if we not just us but just by going and listening figuring out ways to have a last change. I don’t know, all I know is I’ve never seen a change without engagement. Things are not gonna do anything if someone doesn’t resist. It’s just like analysing sports- Tennis is a resistance sport where balls come in and you resist. But if you play golf and hit the ball, it doesn’t come back.’

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She also added that though this isn’t great, if no one goes to the Middle East and there are no interactions, change would be very difficult. King said she would probably go, even if it’s scary. Besides Billie Jean King, there have been mixed reactions coming out of the tennis world on Saudi as a host nation in WTA tournaments.

American Legend Billie Jean King Talks About ‘Factions’ in Tennis That’s Hampering Players – ‘How Do We Want to Shape the World?’

Tennis superstars line up behind King to share their views on hosting a women’s tournament in the Arab nation

US legends Chris Evert & Martina Navratilova had earlier raised their objections when rumors spread of the WTA Finals shifting to Saudi this year. However, Cancun won the race this time. But a possible move to Saudi Arabia in the future can’t be ruled out. Especially, after several players complained about the complete mismanagement in Mexico.

Tunisian tennis player, Ons Jabeur had expressed her excitement to play in a tournament in the Arab nation. The world number 2 and 5 – Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula haven’t expressed any objections either while commenting on the possibilities revolving around WTA & Saudi Arabia. The Gulf nation is now looking ahead to host two tennis exhibitions in December which would include a clash between Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alacarz. Amid of controversies tennis is slowly and steadily putting its feet firmly on the sand dunes. Will Saudi Arabia emerge as a successful host for WTA events in the coming days? Share your views on this in the comment below.

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