“Going to Saudi is about as political as you can get”: Martina Navratilova remains critical of WTA Finals move to Saudi Arabia

Former world number one Martina Navratilova has stood firm over her criticism of moving the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia. The last major event in the WTA calendar will be held in the Middle Eastern country for the next three years starting from 2024. The move is a part of Saudi’s intention to invest big in tennis just like they have already done in numerous other sports.

Navratilova is one of the most vocal former stars who has constantly raised her voice and in the recent report, she stood by her criticism stating that the move is based on politics, something which should never happen in any sport. “We’re going to Saudi Arabia which is about as big a change as you can make, except for maybe going to North Korea,” she said. “Chris Evert and I have made our views clear on that, but the players have made their choices. We’ll see how things work out.

“I heard players say they ‘don’t want to be political’. Going to Saudi is about as political as you can get. Welcome to sport. Sports is political and has been at the forefront of social change. I don’t see how anything happens there without the blessing of MBS (Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi ruler). He decides what goes and what doesn’t. We’re a bit egotistical to think we can make a difference, but who knows? The players have to honour that, they’re the ones competing. We’re not affected by it. We’re not going there to play.”