Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Ons Jabeur, & Aryna Sabalenka will play in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season Cup Exhibition. It will take place from December 26 - 27.
Riyadh Season: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Ons Jabeur and Aryna Sabalenka set for post Christmas Day exhibition in Saudi Arabia
Tennis NewsThursday, 19 October 2023 at 19:15
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Ons Jabeur, and Aryna Sabalenka have all been confirmed for a post-Christmas Day exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from December 26-27.
Saudi Arabia's increasing influence in tennis has received mixed reactions from players over recent months. It was revealed earlier this year that the Next Gen ATP Finals would be moved to the country until 2027. Moreover, Riyadh was an option for the 2023 WTA Finals before Cancun, Mexico was ultimately chosen instead.
While the likes of John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, and Daria Kasatkina have condemned the move to host more tournaments in the country, others have supported the move due to what they view as a chance to make a change in the country or because of the large paychecks on offer.
Top-ranked players set for exhibition event despite controversy
Saudi Arabia has become heavily involved in several sports over recent years, particularly golf and football. This has led to accusations of sportswashing due to the country's poor human rights record regarding the freedom of women and LGBTQ+ people, as well as its treatment of prisoners and migrants.
However, some players, such as World No. 7 Jabeur, have suggested that playing in the country could help bring about positive change.
"As an Arab player, I'd be very excited to be there," the Tunisian player said back in August, "I am someone pushing for a change, pushing to give more and more opportunities especially for women.
"I think it's a great step. I think it's something that could help the Arab world to have more tennis players, to get more involved in sports. If they play there, and hopefully if I qualify, it will be a great honour and opportunity for me to go and play there, especially meeting a lot of women. They told me they look up to me. That would be a great opportunity for me to meet them and speak to them," she added.
However, several fans have reacted negatively to the news of her attendance at the exhibition event alongside the ATP & WTA World No. 1's Djokovic and Sabalenka and two-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz.
"NOOOOOOO!!!! DO NOT HELP WITH SPORTSWASHING!!!! HUMAN RIGHTS!!!!" wrote one fan on X.
"They need the money, Tough trying to live with millions," added another sarcastically.
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