Iga Swiatek is not among those who turn a blind eye to the WTA Finals. While the WTA Finals are moving to Riyadh this year, the world number one is not ready to sweep this topic under the rug. Although the decision to move the tournament has already been made, she boldly addressed her perspective on the tournament relocation.

While Swiatek understood the goal to “make some changes there” she expects “a nice atmosphere” at Suadi Arabia which should be the WTA authority’s prior responsibility.

Iga Swiatek brings a player perspective to the WTA Finals shifting decision 

During a pre-tournament press conference in Stuttgart, the world’s number one-ranked tennis player was asked about her take on Saudi Arabia, getting more and more tennis events from both the WTA and ATP. First, she acknowledged how ‘the game is changing’ because it has a huge influence on all the changes taking place. But at the same time, put an onus on the WTA over how they are responsible for bringing the best out of places.

Swiatek added, “But I hope this influence is going to be positive in terms of the change that happens. WTA has told us before, when we had plenty of meetings, that this is one of the goals to make some changes there. We’ll see how that’s going to go.” 

She further added, “No matter where the finals are going to be, I just hope it’s going to be a nice atmosphere. I hope WTA is going to take care of that so we can just play tennis and enjoy it.”

Subsequently, the Polish tennis player also detailed how the WTA and ATP need to make some bold decisions to put tennis events in spaces that are needed and can influence the sport. Moreover, just a day ago, even the American tennis legend Jimmy Connors weighed his opinion on the WTA Finals Saudi Arabia move.

Connors believes Saudi is up for a change

The former ATP world number one, in a recent episode of Advantage Connors, weighed that after Saudi Arabia’s disruptive entry into golf, the way they have entered tennis indicates that the nation is ready to change its reputation globally.

Along with that, he said, “What am I supposed to sit here and say? ‘You shouldn’t do that’? These kids are out working their a** off trying to make a living and make more money and if they are willing to put the money in… a lot of things are thrown out of the window when the money comes in.”

The 71-year-old tennis legend highlighted how he is in no position to pass any judgment over this issue considering that it’s the players who will be featured in the event after putting in their efforts.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the recent Saudi Arabia’s move? Do let us know in the comment section below.