2 Weeks After ATP’s $2,000,000 Saudi Arabia Bombshell, WTA Legend Billie Jean King Dishes Out a Damning Verdict – ’They Want the Money’

The colossal investments being made by Saudi Arabia have already taken over a number of sports. Apart from major sports like soccer and golf, the game of tennis is now also on the radar of the Middle Eastern country. Shifting their attention to tennis, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) recently joined hands with the ATP Tour. With the latest move in the men’s circuit, the Next Gen ATP Finals, which has been played in Milan ever since its inception, will now take place in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah.

But that’s not all; the prize money of the hardcourt tournament has been increased to a record $2 million, which is six hundred thousand dollars more than the previous season. However, the ATP Tour’s Saudi ‘money’ move has lately been a target of criticism from many prominent figures in the tennis realm. One such name is one of the founders of the WTA, Billie Jean King, who threw shade at the authorities.

Billie Jean King issues her candid take on the ATP Tour’s decision

The 12-time singles Grand Slam champion’s blunt demeanor takes aim at a variety of hot-button issues in the tennis community. This time around, Billie Jean King’s ‘no-filter’ take was directed at the ATP Tour’s decision to move their hard court event to Saudi’s King Abdullah Sports City indoor facility.

The Hall of Famer candidly said that she is glad that the WTA Tour is not succumbing to the Middle Eastern country’s rapid ‘money’ moves, as historically the country has been poor in upholding women’s rights. She also claimed that the men’s tour moved the competition due to the lucrative prize purse. King’s bold assertions were brought to light on Twitter by the renowned journalist, Adam Addicott.

The WTA legend said, “I’m glad we’re not going to Saudi Arabia right now, because Saudi Arabia, for women, is really difficult. For some reason the men, they want the money, they think like that.”

King’s recent statements have come as a huge surprise to everyone, as she was previously speaking in favor of the Saudi move.

The WTA legend on Saudi hosting tour-level events

In the comments section of the Tweet, one of the fans was quite shocked when he came across King’s recent statements criticizing the ATP tour’s decision. The user said, “Hold up,” while he brought to light the American tennis veteran’s previous assertions supporting the ongoing talks between the WTA and Saudi’s PIF.

During the 50th anniversary of the WTA Tour, the Hall of Famer opened up about how partnering with Saudi investors can be beneficial for both parties. King said, “I’m a huge believer in engagement — I don’t think you change unless you engage.”

The former tennis ace further said that she herself would probably go to the country in order to hold talks with the Saudi investors.

READ MORE- Days After PGA Tour’s Merger With Liv Golf, Saudi Arabia Now in Talks With ATP for a Major Tennis Move

What do you think of the American tennis legend unexpected change of heart regarding Saudi investment? Let us know in the comments section.

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