Aryna Sabalenka explained in a press conference before the WTA Finals why she has no reservations about the WTA Finals being hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Preparations for this year's WTA Finals have been much smoother than the 2023 iteration in Cancun, Mexico. Players faced the farcical possibility of the stadium not being finished 12 months ago, but it was completed at the last minute.
By contrast, the 2024 WTA Finals is taking place in a superb stadium befitting of such a significant tournament, and it provided a great spectacle for the Belarusian's opening match against Qinwen Zheng.
However, there are concerns about the numerous human rights abuses committed against women and the LGBTQ community in Saudi Arabia, and some argue that one of the most important WTA events on the calendar should not be played in the Gulf country for that reason.
Although there have been some improvements in women's rights in recent years, challenges still remain in that area, and homosexual activity is criminalized in Saudi Arabia.
Coco Gauff admitted to having reservations about playing in Riyadh but hopes that the presence of the players and the support the WTA is giving to help young female tennis players in the country make competing there worth it.
Sabalenka already generated attention off the court by making a TikTok with Iga Swiatek, with whom she is fighting to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking. The Belarusian is currently over 1,000 points ahead of the Pole.
This year's US Open champion received more attention after being asked about playing in Saudi Arabia. Sabalenka said she had no personal issues and pointed to her experience during an exhibition match with Ons Jabeur.
"I've been here with exhibition match with Ons. I saw everything here is quite chill. Me personally, I don't have any issues playing here. I think it's really important to bring tennis all around the world and to inspire young generation."
"The effort they put into women's sport here is incredible. I'm really impressed. I'm really happy to be here and to be part of I would say some sort of history here."
The world No. also thinks Saudi Arabia puts huge effort into the sports events it hosts and is happy to be part of the process of improving women's lives in the country.
"I would say this country put huge effort on bringing sport events here. Overall I would say improving quality of woman life here. I'm really happy we're part of it. I think that's really great that we are here and we inspiring young generation here. I mean, we are safe. We're having great time. It's beautiful city. Yeah, that's basically my message."
Saudi Arabia's increased influence in tennis will undoubtedly continue to generate debate since its government does not hide its intention to become even more involved on the ATP and WTA Tours.
Hopefully, Sabalenka and Gauff are correct about the positive impact hosting sports events in the country will have for women. Rafael Nadal is also an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.
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