There is a fresh twist in the emerging two-horse race between the Czech Republic and Saudi Arabia, who are the frontrunners in bidding to become the 2023 WTA Finals host country.
With just two months of the regular tennis season remaining, the WTA is running out of time to determine the tournament host of the 2023 WTA Finals. So far, only two bids have been reported, but both hold asterisks, given the controversy linked to the countries involved.
Tennis writer Jon Wertheim was the most prominent journalist to report on the Czech Republic battling Saudi Arabia for the hosting rights of the 52nd edition of the event. In a post on X, Wertheim stated that the Czech Republic's bid matches that of the Gulf country at least on the prize money aspect.
The prospect of women's tennis heading to Saudi Arabia has certainly not been well received due to the country's human rights record coming under heavy criticism. However, that isn't expected to be an impediment in any potential deal as the Next Gen ATP Finals will be held there for the next five years.
In recent weeks Czech Republic shut its borders on any incoming players from Russia and Belarus to play tennis tournaments due to the invasion of Ukraine. This has thrown a potential contentious subplot of hosting the tournament should players from the aforementioned countries qualify, leaving the Czech government in a moral dilemma.
But Filip Horky, Flash News reporter from the Czech Republic, claims that the Czech government plans to permit players from Russia and Belarus to compete provided they sign a declaration of neutrality.
"For the opportunity to compete on Czech soil, athletes will have to declare in writing form that they do not participate in, support, tolerate, or approve any act aimed at disrupting the sovereignty, independence, unity, or territorial integrity of Ukraine."
"Athletes or officials who make such a statement can't use any state symbols or other symbols associated e.g. with the war against Ukraine such as the letter "Z," history, or the political leadership of both countries."
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