Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova had 'constructive discussions' amid WTA Finals being confirmed in controversial Riyadh move
WTA
WTA confirmed that it had discussions with Chris Evert and Martina
Navratilova before announcing that the WTA Finals would be held in Riyadh for
the next three years. This comes after both former world No. 1 players wrote a
letter criticizing the proposals to hold the tournament in the capital of Saudi
Arabia, considering the human rights issues the country has faced.
After
several months of speculation, it was officially announced that the Finals
would be held in Saudi Arabia between 2024 and 2026. These rumors circulated
throughout 2023, but ultimately, the Finals were relocated to Cancun last year
with just two months' notice, sparking controversy over the state of the courts
and facilities for the players.
At
the beginning of 2024, Evert and Navratilova expressed their opposition to the
WTA hosting tournaments in Saudi Arabia. However, Marina Storti, CEO of WTA
Ventures, commented, "We had a lot of constructive discussions with
Martina and Chris."
“Obviously they are legends of the WTA, they
are highly respected, and they had some concerns. Ultimately we feel like we’re
making the right decision for the sport, for women’s tennis, for our players,
for our fans. We think it’s an exciting opportunity and an important step for
the long-term growth of the sport.”
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert
It comes after Evert and
Navratilova said the plans were “entirely incompatible with the spirit and
purpose of women's tennis and the WTA itself” in a comment piece for the
Washington Post. “Taking a tournament there would represent a significant step
backward, to the detriment not just of women’s sport, but women.” they claimed.
The former world No. 1s also
wrote: “We fully appreciate the importance of respecting diverse cultures and
religions. It is because of this, and not despite it, that we oppose the awarding
of the tour’s crown jewel tournament to Riyadh. The WTA’s values sit in stark
contrast to those of the proposed host.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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