“Outdated stereotypes views of our culture,” Saudi Ambassador ‘disappointed’ with Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert’s ‘western-centric’ criticism over WTA Finals recent controversies

The world of tennis has been evolving over some time, involving new rules, new software, and new places. The sport is now made worldwide and known to many. However, there remains a place where the players refuse to go. 

Saudi Arabia, the rich place of oil, has attracted many tourists for its richness but fails to attract tennis athletes.

Due to their reputed nature as an anti-women place, women tend to hesitate before going to Saudi Arabia. While there have been continuous debates about whether the WTA Tour can head to Saudi Arabia or not, players have started to voice their concerns about the place. 

It started with WTA players like Iga Swiatek refusing to play in the Gulf nations, followed by strong statements of disapproval from former players like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert.

Their statements were noticed by the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, who was rather disappointed over the statements. 

Like many women around the world, we looked to the legends of tennis as trailblazers and role models... But these champions have turned their back on the very same women they have inspired and it is beyond disappointing. It pained me deeply to read a column in The Washington Post objecting to Saudi Arabia hosting the WTA Finals based on arguments that are outdated stereotypes and western-centric views of our culture. 

Reena said.

In a recent statement on Monday, Al-Saud expressed her disappointment in the senior players. She believes that the women who have helped revolutionize tennis for women have failed to see the progress women have made in Saudi Arabia and are undermining the progress of women by spreading stereotypical statements. 

Failing to acknowledge the great progress women have made in Saudi Arabia denigrates our remarkable journey… This not only undermines the progress of women in sports, it sadly undermines women, progress as a whole.

Continuing further, she added

Tennis players remain hesitant to play in Saudi Arabia despite its vast involvement in other sports

Saudi Arabia has made strides in women’s empowerment over time, and now they are involved with many sports like football and basketball and are also targeting tennis. 

There have been a few discussions between the Gulf nation ambassadors and tennis. The discussions seem to be moving ahead; a few players are becoming ambassadors as well and signing huge deals. First, it was Ons Jabeur who struck a huge deal, followed by the Spanish star Rafael Nadal. 

While the country is moving strong with its deals, its previous reputation is catching up, posing a hindrance for some sports. However, as the ambassador to the United States, Reena, stated, the women of Saudi Arabia have made huge strides in many fields, including sports. 

Despite their growing reputations, some people tend to watch the stereotypical news about Saudi Arabia, which affects their decision to involve themselves. Nonetheless, more women in tennis are willing to go to Gulf nations, and hopefully, soon, they might collaborate with tennis to do something big.

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