Tennis fans have reacted with outrage to suggestions that the WTA Finals will be played in Saudi Arabia, with many expressing concern over the safety of women and LGBTQ+ players in the country.

Podcast host Craig Shapiro, who hosts The Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast, has revealed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the WTA Finals could be played in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.

"Sources telling me announcement next week that WTA Finals will be played in Riyadh. saudi arabia," they tweeted on August 22.

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Fans express shock and outrage

Up until 2018, women living in Saudi Arabia were not allowed to drive, and women were only permitted to vote a few years before that in 2015. According to the World Report 2023, "Despite some reforms, authorities continue to implement a male guardianship system requiring women to obtain male guardian permission to get married, leave prison, or obtain some forms of sexual and reproductive healthcare."

Meanwhile, same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Saudi Arabia, with the most severe punishment for homosexual activity being the death penalty.

As a result, fans have since reacted with disappointment and outrage to the suggestion that the WTA Finals could be held in Saudi Arabia, with many pointing out the country's poor human rights record, especially in regards to the treatment of women and LGBTQ+ people in the country.

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"Hosting a women’s event in one of the most misogynistic countries in the world… choices," wrote one.

"Tour finals shouldn’t be held in countries where being gay is illegal. Understand these laws aren’t actually policed for foreigners but it’s still not appropriate and puts gay players in a difficult position should they qualify," added another.

Meanwhile, others directly called out the WTA for this decision.

"holding a women's sports event where women wasn't even allowed to drive cars until few years ago.. WTA is an women organization whose board hates women," commented one.

"Money rules everything unfortunately. Can they guarantee the safety of the LGBTQ Players?" wrote another.

Moreover, others drew attention to other times that the country has violated human rights, such as by carrying out mass executions and mass killings of migrants. 

"Disgusting that WTA would sell out to a country that murders innocent migrants," wrote one.

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Hosting a women’s event in one of the most misogynistic countries in the world… choices

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