“Where it bothers me is that…,” Ons Jabeur hits at “ignorant” critics against WTA Finals moving to Saudi Arabia

The Tunisian also extended invitation to such people to come to the country and judge the situation themselves.

“Where it bothers me is that…,” Ons Jabeur hits at “ignorant” critics against WTA Finals moving to Saudi Arabia

R- Ons Jabeur (Via Imago)

Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has hit back at those who are against the WTA Finals moving to Saudi Arabia or Saudi Arabia spreading its feet in the sport in general.

She said that while she is up for constructive criticism, she is bothered by people who are just ignorant and form opinions without going into detail.

YouTube video

As the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) recently announced that the year-ending championship will be held in a Middle Eastern country, there was criticism around the decision, citing issues around human rights violations in the country. 

FS Video

A few big names in the sport like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have expressed their reservations about the sport going to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Jabeur has been pretty vocal about her support for this move. The Tunisian has openly expressed her happiness saying it would open the door of opportunity for aspiring women’s tennis players in the Arab countries. Now, about the criticism, Jabeur says that people should refrain from making comments without enough knowledge.

I am always honestly biased in this position here and the decision they took. I'm very happy to be there. As an Arab woman, I'm very proud some things are moving there in Saudi. Obviously people could have different opinions. Where it bothers me is that when some people, they don't know what's really happening there, and super ignorant about what's really happening in Saudi. So like Princess Reema said, You should come to Saudi, be there, and judge yourself.
Ons Jabeur said during a press conference.

Ons Jabeur extends invitation to critics to examine the situation in Saudi Arabia

Further talking about the issue, Ons Jabeur extended her invitation to all those who are skeptical of the move. She feels that everyone should at least come to the country to examine the situation themselves before reaching a conclusion.

The home favorite Ons Jabeur emerged victorious against Emma Raducanu in the Round of 16 of the Abu Dhabi Open, beat her in straight sets.
Ons Jabeur (image via: tennishead)

Jabeur also talked about the benefits of WTA Finals moving to Saudi Arabia. She claimed that it would inspire the younger generation to take up the sport and develop a belief that they can also reach that level someday. 

I think if you're in another country and not coming there and see how Saudi is being played, for me, even though I'm not from Saudi, but I would extend the invitation for everyone to come and see for themself...For me, it always has been about chances, and going there not just to play tennis matches but to give the opportunity especially for younger women to see their role models from before and to believe that they can achieve anything.
Ons Jabeur said.

Notably, the decision to move the biggest tournament on the Tour to Saud Arabia has already been made. While there is criticism, there are also supporters.

Jabeur is among them. Aryna Sabalenka is another big name that has expressed optimism about this move. It is to be seen how beneficial it turns out to be.

In case you missed!