However, she candidly admitted she had her reservations about the WTA\u2019s recent three-year partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation to host the season-ending tournament in Riyadh. Gauff emphasised that while she feels the power of sport can foster positive change, she remains cautious and hopes the event will inspire genuine progress.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The inaugural WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia are set to be held at King Saud University Indoor Arena starting Saturday. This marks a historic move for women\u2019s tennis as it expands into a region known for restrictive laws on women\u2019s rights and freedom of expression. The decision has not been without controversy, as critics argue that the WTA\u2019s choice risks compromising its commitment to gender equality and freedom by bringing women\u2019s sport to a country still navigating these issues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gauff, 20, admitted to feeling uneasy about the venue initially but wanted to witness firsthand whether progress is taking place. \u201cObviously I\u2019m very aware of the situation here in Saudi. My view on it is I do think that sport can have a way to open doors to people. I think in order to want change, you have to see it. I think sports for me, I would say is the easiest way to introduce that,\u201d the American star told reporters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI would be lying to you if I said I had no reservations. I was pretty much on every player call I could make with the WTA. One of the things I said, if we come here, we can\u2019t just come here and play our tournament and leave. We have to have a real program or real plan in place.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The discussions included talks with Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, whom Gauff questioned on topics of LGBTQ+ rights and women\u2019s freedoms in Saudi Arabia. For Gauff, these conversations were a step toward ensuring that the tournament could have a more significant impact. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn the long run, I think it could be better for everybody,\u201d she added, explaining that while she sees potential for sport to foster change, her continued participation depends on observing real progress. \u201cIf I felt uncomfortable or felt like nothing\u2019s happening, then I probably wouldn\u2019t come back.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
World number one Aryna Sabalenka also weighed in, expressing enthusiasm about the tournament\u2019s location and its significance for women\u2019s sports. \"I\u2019ve been here in an exhibition match with Ons (Jabeur) last year, and I saw that everything here is quite chill,\" said the Belarusian, adding that she has no personal issues competing in Saudi Arabia. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sabalenka praised Saudi Arabia\u2019s investment in attracting world-class sporting events, including women\u2019s sports, calling it \u201cincredible\u201d and expressing pride in helping make history for women\u2019s tennis in the region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
WTA chief executive Portia Archer defended the organization\u2019s choice to hold the Finals in Riyadh, noting that the WTA has been hosting tournaments in the broader Middle East since 2001, with events held regularly in Dubai and Doha. Archer sought to reassure fans and players, stating, \"We\u2019ve actually never had any issues with freedom of expression, at least not that I\u2019m aware of. I don\u2019t expect that we\u2019ll have any while we\u2019re here in Riyadh.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sabalenka praised Saudi Arabia\u2019s investment in attracting world-class sporting events, including women\u2019s sports, calling it \u201cincredible\u201d and expressing pride in helping make history for women\u2019s tennis in the region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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