Top Dogs Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and WTA Legends Left Completely Conflicted Over Potential Saudi Arabia Move

Polish tennis prodigy Iga Swiatek revealed her feelings about the ongoing debate surrounding the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia. Considering that “the country is evolving” every tennis player has their own set of expectations. Along with Swiatek, many other female tennis stars such as Jessica Pegula also raised their concerns over the topic.

Previously, the Human Rights advocates praised WTA’s decision to suspend tournament finals in China. Now that the association is moving forward to make a positive collaboration with Saudi Arabia about this, WTA is getting backlashed by many tennis legends. Amidst this, Swiatek spoke revealed her opinion about the matter.

Iga Swiatek suggests directly asking all the concerning questions to WTA while saying “nice to have finals in Europe”

In a recent press conference at the Indian Wells tournament, Swiatek spoke about being in the group of players who were in favor of WTA finals in Europe. She didn’t exactly express her concerns about Saudi Arabia, but her statements led fans in that way. Swiatek said- “I was always in the group of players that said it would be nice to have finals in Europe. But we’re still waiting for the decision so. We, as players, don’t really have much of an impact on where the finals will be held. So it’s better for you guys to directly ask this questions to WTA, cause they have all the information up to date.I already kinda stopped being in a roof everyday because there’s so much information and rumors as well. I just honestly wanna focus on wherever I am right now.”

Apart from Swiatek, Jesicca Pegula said “We’d obviously have to see there be a lot of pros overweighing the cons to feel comfortable going there, whether that’s seeing them as a group, maybe have to donate money to women’s sports or women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, to see some sort of change or action going towards helping those causes in their country,”.

Showing her concern for the same Chris Evert stated: “Not that I’m going to go play, but for me, I would prefer the WTA not go to Saudi Arabia. Obviously they have the human rights issues and everything, just the way they treat women. I would be against it. But I don’t have a vote.”

This list included players like Daria Kasatkina and Martina Navratilova who also raised their concerns over WTA’s decision to host finals in Saudi Arabia. However, Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur expressed their affirmation of this.

Sabalenka and Jabeur shared their affirmation over the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia

In a press conference during the Indian Wells 2024, Ons Jabeur spoke in favor of the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia. She commented- “I think I’m the first player who would be supportive of going to Saudi, The country is evolving. I know that other people have a different opinion, which is normal, but I’ve been there a couple of times and I’ve seen how amazing people are, how women are getting more and more rights. As a female tennis player I feel it’s time to go there, it’s time to give the opportunity to women who dream of being tennis players.”  

Jabeur received a backup from Sabalenka who praised the Saudi Arabian committee for a comfortable experience. Sabalenka said- “I expected something different. They treated us really well, It was a really amazing atmosphere in the stadium. They really like tennis.”

Swiatek’s comment expresses that many WTA players are still not comfortable with the growing Saudi Arabian influence in tennis. At the same time, they are concerned over the protection of their human rights in the country. What is your take on Swiatek’s viewpoint on WTA finals in Saudi Arabia?

Read more: 3 WTA Finals Underdogs That Could Potentially Disrupt Iga Swiatek’s Hopes.