Women’s tennis in Saudi Arabia has received a thumbs-up from Coco Gauff. The American, who is currently in a bid to prove her US Open credentials, is slowly becoming the cornerstone of inspiration for budding athletes. Aged 19 and having triumphed in New York did the trick. While many players frown upon the sport’s induction in Saudi, Gauff feels differently.

The 20-year-old has set sights on becoming the first female player to defend her Flushing Meadows title since Serena Williams in 2014. Thankfully, she is doing just that. The American rallied past Elina Svitolina‘s overwhelming challenge in the second round, having registered a comeback victory against the Ukrainian, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Later, Gauff gave her unique take on a different subject altogether.

In a post-match presser, the young talent was asked about her views on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia set as the venue for the WTA Finals this season. In her response, the No. 3 seed extensively highlighted that the event’s showcasing in Saudi offers a good opportunity for aspiring athletes in the region to take up the sport. Seeing that the Arabian country doesn’t house tennis as one of its fortes, Gauff believes the WTA Finals can change that, helping youngsters envision a path for themselves after speculating on the year-round tournament.

She said, “I feel like to enact a dream or for a kid to see a dream, they have to see it in person. Hoping that there is a player or a kid that comes out from Saudi and able to say, ‘This WTA Finals changed my outlook or made me realize I had a dream or a possibility in this sport.’ I think that’s what tennis is all about. It’s great to kind of reach parts of the world and bring our community there too.”

Saudi Arabia has waited for a long time to hold a significant tennis event in their country. PIF’s involvement in tennis has been the talk for quite some time now. With the WTA Finals being held in Riyadh, they have finally claimed their spot in hosting tennis. As per several reports, PIF has splashed approximately $15 million as prize money for this event.

Gauff and other WTA stars are excited to take their efforts and display them in the country on a grand stage. Along the American sensation, an American legend is also happy about the move.

Coco Gauff and Billie Jean King support talks between women’s Tour and Saudi Arabia

It is no surprise that Saudi Arabia has made some head-turning moves in the sporting world over the last five years. Obviously, investing an astounding $6.3 billion in sports deals doesn’t go unnoticed.  Tennis great Billie Jean King, known for eradicating gender pay disparity, supported the idea by voicing that the country will offer better opportunities to women if the WTA goes to Saudi.

“The thing I’m concerned about is the women, I want change if we go.” Similarly, the region also registered Coco Gauff’s support earlier this year when she said, “I hope that we’re able to make change and improve the quality and engage in the local communities and make a difference.”

In summary, this debate is up for grabs. It is yet to be seen if women’s tennis can flourish in Saudi. What are your thoughts on the WTA organizing more events in the Arabian country? Do let us know in the comments.