Saudi Arabia plans to triple prize money in event of hosting WTA Finals, set for battle with Prague, Monterrey and Ostrava
WTA
The WTA is
in negotiations with Saudi Arabia to host the WTA Finals, with plans to triple
the prize money, sparking a reaction from fans.
Saudi Arabia's efforts to boost its presence in the WTA have garnered significant
attention within the tennis community. However, the recent developments have
left fans with mixed feelings.
In a recent
report by the Daily Mail, it has been revealed that the Gulf nation is
considering a substantial three-fold increase in prize money, raising it to a
staggering $12 million. Additionally, they have proposed an eye-catching $8
million fee for hosting the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
The final
decision on the tournament's venue is expected to be made during the ongoing US
Open in New York next week. Notably, Washington, Prague, and Monterrey are also
contenders in the race to host the year-end championship.
Fans have
taken to social media to react to the ongoing negotiations between the WTA and
Saudi Arabia, following the continuous reports about discussions between the
Arab nation and the association.
"Saudi
won’t stop. They will get a slice of tennis one way or another. That’s just a
fact. The job of the ATP and WTA is to manage it in a way that avoids a
LIV-like situation," some user wrote.
"Hope
the WTA doesn't keep trying to find short-term bandaid solutions by taking the
highest bidder and actually show some leadership and long-term vision (not to
mention integrity) so they can negotiate from a place of power moving
forward,"
"The
fact that the WTA is considering Saudi Arabia as a host, a country where the
LGBTQ+ community has NO rights at all while Daria Kasatkina, an openly gay
woman, qualified at last year’s WTA Finals makes me sick. And she’s #12 at the
race now so what if she qualifies again?"
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
