As the Shadow of Saudi Arabia Looms Large Over Women’s Tennis, Maria Sharapova Gives Her Take on One of the Sport’s Most Controversial Subjects

Exploring new turf is the next step for any successful industry. After proving itself in almost every part of the world, it looks like the WTA is finally ready to take on a bigger challenge. In her recent interview with Bloomberg, Maria Sharapova shed light on where the WTA is possibly headed for. The Russian seemed quite confident about her expectations regarding this next move.

While talking about the financial aspect of tennis, Sharapova smoothly segued into talks about WTA moving to Saudi Arabia. She put forth all the challenges and requirements that the WTA will have to get accustomed to in such a process. Despite having retired from the sport, Masha is still looped into the tennis community.

Maria Sharapova expressing her views about tennis in Saudi Arabia

The subject of WTA in Saudi Arabia is a polarizing debate among the players. But Sharapova opted for a more reasonable approach to this situation. According to her, it is a necessary step in the progression of association.

Sharapova started by acknowledging how almost everyone within the WTA has been thinking about this. She said: “There is a lot of talk about females for uhm tennis going into Saudi Arabia.” She followed this with an assured remark, saying: “I am sure this is a conversation we will be speaking about in the next couple of years.”

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All things kept aside, Sharapova is sure and certain that it is not just mere rumors. In her words: “It is happening. What is our comfort level and how are we changing everything going on there and creating a positive effect and changing the message?” Explaining how both parties will have to make a lot of adjustments for this to actually happen, she opined that such a shift would not just be for the sake of sport. Sending a positive message is equally important for the WTA. But returning to the root of it all, how exactly did players respond to the Saudi-shaped elephant in the WTA room?

Debate on Saudi Arabia among WTA players

A few weeks ago, everyone was talking about the WTA Finals. if rumors were to be believed, then the WTA Finals were to be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time. However, after rounds of deliberations and negotiations, and immense backlash, the deal wasn’t struck. Cancun has now been fixed as the venue.

At the time, the Saudi involvement in tennis ruffled quite a few feathers. A lot of players voiced their opinions based on this; Martina Navratilova particularly was not happy with this supposed decision. However, there were a few players like Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula who were indifferent about the venue and largely focused on participating.

Maria Sharapova picked a very interesting topic to talk about. The talks about Saudi Arabia are a lot more complex than it seems. However, she was certain that the WTA hosting an event in Saudia Arabia will happen sooner than later.

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