Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert continue rallying cry for WTA Finals Saudi Arabia snub as step backward: "Not just of women's sport, but women"
WTA
Martina
Navratilova and Chris Evert criticized the possibility of Saudi Arabia hosting
the WTA Finals. The legends of the women's tour, who dominated during the 1970s
and 1980s with 18 Grand Slam titles each in singles, have been activists for
the rights of female tennis players and gender equality since their retirement.
Both are among the most respected voices among tennis legends.
The WTA had
already considered hosting the Finals in Saudi Arabia in 2023, but the
tournament was ultimately organized in Cancun, Mexico, a decision made just two
months before the event.
Read also
Speculation
over the past year suggests Saudi Arabia's intention to host more tournaments,
both from the ATP and WTA, has raised concerns, especially among female tennis
players, given the country's human rights situation, particularly concerning
women and the LGBTQ+ community.
In a
Washington Post op-ed, Evert and Navratilova strongly expressed their
disagreement with the WTA bringing its tournaments to Saudi Arabia:
"Taking a tournament there would represent a significant step backward, to
the detriment not just of women's sport, but women," Navratilova and Evert
stated.
“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.”
“Not only
is this a country where women are not seen as equal, it is a country where the
current landscape includes a male guardianship law that essentially makes women
the property of men. A country which criminalizes the LGBTQ community to the
point of possible death sentences. A country whose long-term record on human
rights and basic freedoms has been a matter of international concern for
decades,” they added.
The WTA should revisit the values upon which it was established. We believe that those values cannot even be expressed, much less achieved, in Saudi Arabia. Taking a tournament there would represent a significant step backward, to the detriment not just of women’s sport, but women. We hope this changes someday, hopefully within the next five years. If so, we would endorse engagement there.
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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