ATP chief Andrea Gaudenzi breaks silence on human rights issue in Saudi Arabia after facing backlash over NextGen Finals being held in Jeddah

ATP chief Andrea Gaudenzi breaks silence on human rights issue in Saudi Arabia after facing backlash over NextGen Finals being held in Jeddah

Andrea Gaudenzi(Image via: SuperTennis)

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) had revealed earlier that one of its biggest season-ending tournaments, the Next Gen ATP Finals, will relocate to Saudi Arabia until 2027. This move has enraged several tennis fans and players, as well as the Middle Eastern country, which has been accused of ‘sports-washing’ in the past. ATP’s chief, Andrea Gaudenzi, broke his silence over the backlash the association received.

Several tennis fans and many players under the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) criticized the ATP for moving the Next Gen ATP Finals to the Gulf country. The country’s government has been accused of disregarding issues concerning ‘human rights violations’ and upholding stringent laws against women.

The WTA was considering following in the ATP’s footsteps and hosting their year-end finals in Saudi Arabia. Big names, including Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and John McEnroe, have advised the WTA against it.

ATP chief, Andrea Gaudenzi was recently questioned by Forbes Sports contributor, Adam Zagoria if the issues regarding ‘human rights violations’ in Saudi Arabia were a concern for the ATP. Gaudenzi agreed with him and told Forbes that the subject is sensitive and difficult. “It’s really hard to draft a perfect policy of human rights, like who’s doing this or that. I think there is also a chance of, what’s the future? What’s the trend? Is there a willingness to improve things and go in the right direction,” he said.

“Because you could argue not every country has started from the same place…There’s a different evolution and we definitely see a willingness to improve,” Gaudenzi added. These statements had some fans on the internet critique his attitude and nonchalant approach to the situation. “He neglects to mention how far they have to go,” a user mentioned on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) in reference to Gaudenzi’s claims.

Related: Saudi Arabia set to offer ‘triple’ prize money of around $15,000,000 in their pursuit of bringing the WTA Finals to Riyadh

ATP and WTA merger to be discussed in London

ATP, WTA
ATP and WTA (Image via: InsideSport)

Recently, there has been news regarding the discussion of a possible merger between the ATP and the WTA. The two tennis associations plan to prevent a ‘Saudi Arabia takeover’ over the sport as per reports. The Arab nation has been investing heavily in the American Sports industry. Some claim that the country is trying to take over tennis next after getting into Golf, Football, and Formula 1. The ATP and WTA after facing the wrath of fans, will try to combine the two agencies.

According to reports, the two agencies will discuss the possibility of hosting a single tour for players under both associations. Expressing his views on a potential merger, Eurosport expert Alex Corretja recently stated, “All these tournaments (Grand Slams) are very successful because they play with men and women combined…A merger would be great because the ATP and WTA would try to be as close as possible. It can get a little bit confusing with the ATP, WTA, and ITF tournaments, but the intention is there and it would be great news for everyone. Hopefully, they can work it out.”

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