Judy Murray gives verdict on whether tennis is ‘catalyst for change’ in Saudi Arabia amid WTA Finals in Riyadh
Judy Murray backed the decision to host the WTA Finals in Riyadh as she thinks bringing women's tennis to Saudi Arabia will help the country.
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Judy Murray (Image via X)
The discussion about whether WTA’s decision to host its year-end event in Riyadh will not cease anytime soon. Judy Murray recently gave her verdict on this topic.
The tennis community is divided between whether Saudi Arabia being chosen as the host for the WTA Finals from 2024-2026 was the right decision given that the human rights record in the Middle Eastern country is a topic of concern. Murray however thinks bringing women’s tennis to Saudi would help bring a change.
And we need to max out on that opportunity whilst the role models and the top names in our sport are here. We need to raise awareness of the sport but underpin that with all the community engagement that we’re doing and say: ‘Come on, everyone can play.’ This is a massive opportunity for tennis to be the catalyst for change in women’s sport in Saudi.
Murray told Sky Sports Tennis
The WTA Finals is underway, and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has already qualified for the semifinals, and so is Coco Gauff after her straight-set win over Iga Swiatek. The Belarusian has officially secured the year-end No.1 after Swiatek’s defeat and became the 16th player in the history to do so.
Judy Murray urges critics to visit Saudi Arabia
Andy Murray once turned down the opportunity to play in Saudi Arabia, but his mother, Judy Murray, lauded the Asian country. She not only praised Saudi Arabia for their work toward bringing a change but thinks there’s a ‘massive desire to grow tennis’ in Saudi.
And I would say to anyone who might have any concern about us coming here, I would say come over and see for yourself, you will be blown away by the hospitality, and the welcome, and the passion for making change.
Judy Murray told BBC 5 Live Sport
Not just the debate about the hosting of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, the tennis world was shocked upon learning that 400 spectators watched the match at the King Saud University Indoor Arena during Sunday’s matches.
Tim Henman found it disappointing to see the lack of crowds during matches of top players like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, who both had slightly different views on the issue. Martina Navratilova also voiced her concerns as she found it ‘odd’ that there was a lack of focus on the crowd attending the matches.
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Gouri Das
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