“Don’t support the situation there,” Days after Rafael Nadal’s inclusion, Coco Gauff makes her opinions loud and clear about the Saudi Tennis Federation’s recent tennis initiatives

Like many, she also opined that the situation in the Middle Eastern country is not great, but is hopeful that if WTA does go there, the situation may change for the better.

“Don’t support the situation there,” Days after Rafael Nadal’s inclusion, Coco Gauff makes her opinions loud and clear about the Saudi Tennis Federation’s recent tennis initiatives

Coco Gauff (L), Rafael Nadal (R) (Images via X)

A couple of days ago, Rafael Nadal, hogged the limelight due to his controversial collaboration with Saudi Arabia. He is now their ambassador.

This move from the tennis great has become a hot topic of discussion among tennis fans and players. Several players and tennis pundits were asked about it. USA’s Coco Gauff, who booked herself a spot in the semi-final after beating Marta Kostyuk, was asked at the press conference following her victory about the controversial deal.

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Gauff thinks the WTA (World Tennis Federation) is trying to involve the players in order to make certain decisions. Like many, she also opined that the situation in the Middle Eastern country is not great, but is hopeful that if WTA does go there, the situation may change for the better.

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Definitely don't support the situation there, but I hope that if we do decide to go there, I hope that we're able to make a change there and improve the quality there engage with the local communities, and make a difference.
Gauff said at the post-match press conference after the quarter-final win

The 19-year-old, however, likes WTA’s efforts to communicate about their plans to the players.

Yeah, and there hasn't been a decision made about Saudi, so I can't really speak much about that. But I will say that they are trying to at least communicate with the players more. I don't know if we have, like, you know, a final say or decision-making, but at least we're getting in the conversations.
She added

Watch the video of her press conference here:

Rafael Nadal will open his Rafa Nadal Academy in Saudi Arabia

As mentioned before, Rafael Nadal has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia’s tennis federation which will help in the promotion of the sport in the kingdom. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will also be opening his Rafa Nadal Academy there.

Coco Gauff
Rafael Nadal (Image via X)

In his statement, Nadal praised the growth and progress in Saudi Arabia and expressed his desire to see tennis grow there. This deal greatly vexed tennis fans across the world, given that Saudi doesn’t have a good record when it comes to women and gay rights.

Former World No. 1 player John McEnroe is against the idea completely, finding it laughable. He asked whether the WTA would indeed make women play in Saudi Arabia. McEnroe also found the entire scene around tennis with Saudi laughable, saying almost every business and government has already signed deals with Saudi Arabia.

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