Unlike Stalwarts Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and John McEnroe, 19YO Coco Gauff Turns Suddenly Subtle Over $650B Saudi Fund Controversy in Tennis

Coco Gauff is a name that has made everyone jump off their seats in the last few weeks. Currently playing in the US Open, all eyes will be on her as she will be looking to maintain her winning streak and lay her hands on the title. However, just before the start of the tournament, one issue has taken over the internet: the involvement of Saudis in tennis. Many tennis pros and legends have come ahead and spoken against the investment. Recently, Coco Gauff was also asked about the same in an interview.

However, Coco Gauff’s answer left everyone confused as they could not get something concrete from the American superstar.

Coco Gauff expresses a neutral perspective on Saudi investment

Amidst the growing wave of disapproval expressed by prominent figures such as John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, and Chris Evert concerning Saudi Arabia’s role in tennis, rising star Coco Gauff has chosen a neutral path. Gauff’s balanced position came to light during an insightful interview, where she refrained from delving into the ongoing debate, choosing instead to uphold an impartial outlook.

As discussions swirled around the potential hosting of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, a country with a complex record on women’s rights, Gauff appeared composed and cautious in her response. When asked about her thoughts on the matter, Gauff candidly admitted the lack of substantial knowledge available to players at present, characterizing the situation as a “rumor” rather than a concrete plan.

“Yeah, I mean, to be honest, we don’t know much about it as players. Right now it’s just a rumor. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I saw the whole discourse going on Twitter, so I don’t really have a lot of information regarding that. I’d rather not speak on it until it’s set in stone,” said Gauff in the pre-tournament press conference.

However, unlike Coco, prominent figures in tennis have raised their voices to stand firm against Saudi involvement in tennis. They expressed their views on how badly it can affect the tennis community and degrade the nobility of the sport.

Also read: Just Days After Giving Herself a Voguish Makeover, Coco Gauff Aims to Step Back and Replicate the Iconic Style of Idol Serena Williams

Former tennis legends join hands to oppose tennis involvement

Some of the legends of the game like Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and John McEnroe have always been firm when it comes to conveying their words when it matters the most. McEnroe, in a recent interview, stated that the involvement of Saudis in the sport could be very harmful to the sport.

On the other hand, Martina also opposed the Saudi’s involvement, citing that if she was a current player, she would have rejected offers to go to the place to play. Joining their voices was former Serena Williams’ coach Rennae Stubbs, who said that Saudi does not respect women and their rights and thus, there’s no point in organizing the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Thus, while prominent figures in the sport reject the huge money bids, there are players like Coco who have maintained a neutral perspective on the matter. While further ongoings will reveal the total matter, it is still a subject of debate for many.

WATCH THIS STORY | The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club