"These kids are working their a** off making money, I can't say don't take it": Jimmy Connors sees why WTA Finals Saudi move has been backed

Former world number one Jimmy Connors believes that it is not right to criticise players for agreeing to play in Saudi Arabia. The WTA Finals is set to become the first mega-event in tennis to be played in the Middle Eastern country as they continue to push and invest in different sports.

The oil-rich country in the Middle East, in the recent past, invested heavily in golf which led to the merger of the PGA Tour and Liv Golf. Golf was not the only sport as they invested heavily in football which led to the acquisition of the English Premier League club Newcastle United.

Later, the country started a new league with the name Saudi Pro League where they signed a host of superstars from Europe including the likes of former Real Madrid strikers and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, five-time Champions League winner Karim Benzema, ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino and former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez.

Connors, who is an eight-time Grand Slam winner, was recently quoted in a report where he stated that it would be wrong to criticise the players for agreeing to play in events where there is a chance to earn a monumental amount of money.

"We've said that before, you know, to come in and to want to take over and be a big part of a reputation change and to show the good and throw money into sports and tennis and golf," he said. "What am I supposed to sit here and say? 'You shouldn't do that'? These kids are out working their a** off trying to make a living and make more money and if they are willing to put the money in... a lot of things are thrown out of the window when the money comes in.”