The WTA is about equality. We have been leaders and role models in women’s sports. We have made decisions the last 50 years with integrity and dignity. We have empowered women…Take less money and do the right thing…🙏💪👍
Evert tells WTA: "Take less money and do the right thing" in light of Saudi Arabia deal
WTATuesday, 29 August 2023 at 12:09
Chris Evert has joined the likes of Martina Navratilova in calling out the WTA's discussions with Saudi Arabia, as suggestions that the WTA Finals could be moved to the country continue.
Former world No. 1 Evert has been vocally against hosting tournaments in Saudi Arabia for some time. Speaking after the initial revelation that the WTA Finals could be moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital city, Evert pointed out the country's poor human rights record as a reason to avoid playing there.
"I mean, for me, I would prefer not to go to Saudi Arabia to play the WTA Finals. 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," she said.
Evert tells WTA to not just think about money
Following Evert's initial reaction to the news, her longtime friend and former sporting rival Navratilova also voiced her opposition to hosting tournaments in Saudi Arabia.
"I can tell you 100 percent if I were still playing, I would not be going (to Saudi Arabia) for the Championships," the 66-year-old told sports journalist Jon Wertheim.
Evert then echoed this sentiment in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, where she called upon the WTA to consider the moral implications of their decisions regarding the issue.
"The WTA is about equality. We have been leaders and role models in women’s sports. We have made decisions the last 50 years with integrity and dignity. We have empowered women…Take less money and do the right thing..." she wrote.
Other former and active players have also opposed the move to Saudi Arabia, including John McEnroe and Daria Kasatkina. Many fans have also spoken out against tennis going to the country, accusing it of trying to 'sportswash' its violent punishments, as well as the fact that their laws limit women's freedoms and make homosexual activity illegal.
However, other players such as Billie Jean King and Ons Jabeur have supported holding discussions with Saudi Arabia and moving tournaments there, saying it could be an opportunity to push for change in the country.
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