“I am happy to go there,” Aryna Sabalenka sides with Saudi Arabia as the tennis world breaks into polarizing opinions on the recent initiatives

Aryna Sabalenka sides with Saudi Arabia after taking a spot in the third round of the Australian Open.

“I am happy to go there,” Aryna Sabalenka sides with Saudi Arabia as the tennis world breaks into polarizing opinions on the recent initiatives

Aryna Sabalenka (Image via: Imago)

Amid the raging criticism from tennis legends and players, Aryna Sabalenka has sided with the rumors of Saudi Arabia being hospitable to host the WTA finals in October.

Since the idea of the WTA season-ending championship has been moved to Saudi Arabia, there have been divided opinions from fans, players, and pundits.

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The opposing critics of the idea have cited various reasons. Including the Arab country’s human rights record and the lack of freedom and rights for women there. However, despite all the allegations and judgment, Aryna Sabalenka has sided with the idea of Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament, reflecting on her time during the Riyadh Tennis Cup in December.

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It [playing in Saudi Arabia] was an amazing experience. I expected something different. They treated us really well. It was really amazing atmosphere on 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 at a press conference.

For the uninitiated, last year, the WTA Finals organizers faced huge criticism from players and fans after the Mexico City of Cancun hosted the tournament below their level. With rain and wind disruptions every day, Aryna Sabalenka also criticized the event. 

I think this is not the level for the WTA Finals. This is not conditions for the WTA Finals.
She said

Aryna Sabalenka through to the third round in Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka has now set her eyes on defending the Melbourne crown after defeating 16-year-old qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the Australian Open.

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka (Credits: NBC New York)

The Belarusian is yet to be seriously tested, as she has already admitted that she wants to defend her title. If Sabalenka does come out victorious, she will be the first woman to successfully defend her Australian Open title since Victoria Azarenka in 2013.

 Aryna Sabalenka’s first-round match against Ella Seidel, who is also a qualifier, lasted for just 53 minutes. Czech Republic teenager Fruhvirtova put in a sterner fight keeping the 25-year-old for 67 minutes.

Despite the odds stacked against Fruhvirtova, who is ranked 102 in the world and has never won a top-10 opponent, she showed great strength on her opening serves, earning a breakpoint, but it was the Belarusian who came out on top in the first set.

In the second set, Sabalenka imposed herself on the youngster as the Grand Slam champion settled the match.

Sabalenka would be hoping for another great season after her breakthrough last year, winning the Australian Open and reaching the semifinals of the French Open and Wimbledon before losing to Coco Gauff in the US Open final.

The 25-year-old will face Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko in the third round.

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