“Czechs are no better morally than the Saudis” – WTA Finals saga takes a new turn as anti-Russian Czech Republic matches Saudi Arabia’s bid, fans remain divided

Fans slam Prague's bid for WTA Finals hosting rights.

“Czechs are no better morally than the Saudis” – WTA Finals saga takes a new turn as anti-Russian Czech Republic matches Saudi Arabia’s bid, fans remain divided

(Image via: WTA Tour)

WTA Finals hosting rights have taken a controversial turn over the past few days. The prospect of playing a future edition of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia has received mixed reactions from women’s players and tennis fans alike.

However, more interestingly, this saga has taken another twist. According to Jon Wertheim of Tennis Channel, Prague has put in a bid for the WTA Finals hosting rights. According to the journalist, the bid from Prague matches the Saudi bid.

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The controversy follows from the following: There’s uncertainty around Russian and Belarusian players being allowed into the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has taken a tough stance on Russia and Belarus following the outbreak of the Ukraine war. The fans have not taken kindly to the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Russian or Belarusian players. 

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Tennis fans took to ‘X’ to question the morals of the Czech Republic much as they did with Saudi. Replying to the original post from Jon Wertheim, a fan posted, “Banning Russians and Belarusians would mean the Czechs are no better morally than the Saudis.”

The WTA has convened a board meeting on Tuesday to deliberate on the hosting rights for the WTA Finals. WTA CEO Steve Simon has previously stated that the Gulf state presents “big issues” as a host for women’s tour events. The ATP recently announced that the NextGen Finals would be played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 2023–27.

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Fans on Social Media remain divided on the issue of hosting rights of WTA Finals

john mcenroe
John McEnroe spoke against Saudi hosting the WTA Finals. (Getty Images)

Tennis fans on social media remain unsure about the hosts of the WTA Finals, much like the WTA. Some fans have argued that hosting the finals in Prague would result in higher ticket sales due to the participation of European fans. Others have argued that the Czech Republic should get hosting rights only if it ensures the participation of all athletes.

Sharing posts in favor of Prague hosting the WTA Finals, fans said:-

Majority of fans disagreed with Prague as the host. Taking to ‘X’ the fans commented:-

Both Prague and Saudi Arabia don’t seem to be popular choices among fans. The WTA might have to make a decision as soon as possible, as players like Iga Swiatek have expressed their frustration with the WTA’s indecision. The event was played last year in Fort Worth, Texas, and had originally been expected to return to China this year.

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