After golf, tennis is now in the headlines for mingling with Saudi Arabia. However, this has come out as a red flag for multiple tennis celebrities including Chris Evert and John McEnroe. Now, joining their lot is Evert’s dear friend Martina Navratilova. The 18-time Grand Slam champion can not help but mourn over the growing engagement between tennis and Saudi Arabia. The $650 billion deal might be a lucrative deal for the ATP but Navratilova would prefer WTA to stay out of it.

However, on the other hand, we have seen the pioneer of equal pay, Billie Jean King ardently looking forward to this attractive opportunity which as per multiple tennis legends is not worth it.

Martina Navratilova sides with her dear friend Chris Evert as she bashes plausible Saudi move 

The Middle Eastern nation has expanded its influence over soccer and golf immensely. The next global sport in the news nowadays is none other than tennis. After the news of ATP being in negotiating terms with Saudi Arabia for a $650 billion takeover, WTA has also come to the limelight. Moreover, Billie Jean King has portrayed this move as a matter of “when” and not “if”. However, Martina Navratilova is not welcoming this move. She took to her Twitter as she expressed her concerning views on the issue. She stated, “I am heartbroken about it. It’s just wrong.”

Her close friend Chris Evert had given her verdict when the news of ATP being in negotiating terms with Saudi had come to the limelight.

She outrightly called it “sports washing” and wished WTA to not go there. However, WTA has also joined the same race.

READ MORE: 27-Year-Old WTA Star’s Unfortunate Career Halt Triggers Tennis Legend Chris Evert To Drop an Emotional Tribute at Wimbledon Championships

WTA has been on a spree to bridge the pay gap between their and ATP players. However, this move might come out as more detrimental than one would have thought. It is not just Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova who feel this way.

John McEnroe’and Daria Kasatkina has expressed his concern over the prevailing issue

After the news of ATP-Saudi Arabia resurfaced, McEnroe too did not express his views in its favor. He stated that money is the matter here and at one point people get bought out.

Apart from these tennis legends, young players like world no. 10 Daria Kasatkina is also worried about the news. She outrightly pointed out that money talks in our world. And even if she does not care about it, there are people who do.

All in all, do you think advancing things with Saudi Arabia might pose a threat to the organic nature of tennis? Let us know your views in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer