Saudi Arabia’s Endeavors in Conquering Tennis Worries Andy Murray as He Raises Concern Over the Future of the Game

Saudi Arabia has now turned its eye towards the racket sport after making substantial investments in golf, football, and a few other sports. Tennis in Saudi Arabia has been in the headlines for quite some time in the last few months. With this Saudi move, several legends and tennis stars are now worried about the future of the sport. British tennis star Andy Murray is also among them.

Saudi Arabia has been investing billions of dollars from its Public Investment Fund over the last few years to develop sports in the country. But critics opine that it’s nothing but just an attempt to distract the world from its human rights accord.

Andy Murray wants Saudi Arabia to take the next step in favor of “the sport” – “That’s what I hope will happen”

Recently, during an interview with The National, Andy Murray stated that tennis is in a ‘difficult spot’. He admitted that he feels no one knows what exactly is going to happen next. “Everyone’s looking out for their best interests and that’s not always the best thing for the sport,” Andy Murray. He further added, “Everyone is sort of fighting a bit with each other and it would be much easier if everyone actually worked together for the common good. And I don’t know. That’s what I hope will happen; I’d say it’s unlikely.”

However, for those who don’t know two years ago, the three-time Grand Slam champion said he would personally not go to Saudi Arabia and play there. However, after ATP’s “positive” talks with the PIF, Andy Murray softened his opinion stating it was an “unfortunate” route for tennis to go down there. But he added, it’s definitely something he “would have to think about”.

Andy Murray’s agent Matt Gentry once stated that the British tennis star had once rejected a seven-figure paycheck to compete in an exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia. The tennis world has been widely divided in their opinions on Saudi’s tennis move.

READ MORE: Amid Saudi’s Direct Intervention, Andy Murray’s Radical Tennis Idea Gets Immediately Backed by Boris Becker

Nick Kyrgios had stated, “Finally. They see the value. We are going to get paid what we deserve to get paid. Sign me up.” Although Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula, and many more also seemed to be excited with this new move. There were few who spoke against it.

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova urged women tennis stars to stay out of the Saudi move

Among all the tennis icons who spoke against this move, Evert and Navratilova were among the most prominent names to raise their concerns. Chris Evert stated, “Would prefer the WTA not go to Saudi Arabia.” While Martina Navratilova added, “I can tell you 100 per cent if I were still playing, I would not be going to Saudi Arabia for the Championships.”

John McEnroe also spoke on this issue admitting, “I’m not surprised (to hear the WTA and ATP are in talks). I wouldn’t encourage it, me personally, the Saudi thing. But I’m not surprised that tennis is being thrown into the mix after what we saw in golf.”

However, Billie Jean King who has always spoken highly of engagement and inclusion, said that she wants to see some changes in Saudi Arabia if the WTA holds an event in the Kingdom. “I think they’ll be there. The thing I’m concerned about is the women, I want change if we go,” King. What are your thoughts on tennis in Saudi Arabia?