"Way way way better than it was in Cancun": Aryna Sabalenka comfortable with mooted WTA Finals move to Saudi Arabia after exhibition experience
WTAWednesday, 17 January 2024 at 22:00
Aryna
Sabalenka spoke in favor of moving the WTA Finals to the Middle East amid
rumors of investments by Saudi Arabia to host the tournament that brings
together the top 8 women tennis players of the season.
While
several players and former players have expressed opposition, Sabalenka's
opinion is positive regarding Saudi Arabia, recalling her participation in the
Riyadh Tennis Cup exhibition tournament last year:
"It
was an amazing experience [playing in Saudi Arabia]. I expected something
different. They treated us really well. It was a really amazing atmosphere in
the stadium. People really like sports there. They really like tennis. The
atmosphere was incredible. The level of hospitality was definitely way, way,
way better than it was in Cancun. Yeah, I'm happy to go there," Sabalenka
said after her second-round match.
"I
think this is not the level for the WTA Finals. These are not conditions for
the WTA Finals. So, yeah, it's not great. I hope that next year WTA will do a
better job,” she expressed in October 2023.
Controversy surrounds Saudi Arabia’s role in Women’s tennis
Martina
Navratilova and Chris Evert recently sent a letter to the WTA to prevent
tournaments from taking place in Saudi Arabia: “We believe allowing Saudi
Arabia to host the WTA Finals is entirely incompatible with the spirit and
purpose of women’s tennis, and the WTA itself,” they stated. “Not only is this
a country where women are not seen as equal, it is a country which criminalises
the LGBTQ community.”
Last year,
world No. 13 Daria Kasatkina, who came out as gay in 2022, expressed concerns
about the country: "Honestly, tough to talk about," the world number
10 told reporters during Wimbledon. "It's easier for the men because they
feel pretty good there. We don't feel the same way. Money talks in our world
right now. For me, I don't think that everything is about the money."
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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