WTA signs major multi-year deal with Saudi Arabia days after ATP PIF’s shocker, as per reports

Ons Jabeur had earlier shown support to Saudi Arabia hosting WTA Finals.

WTA signs major multi-year deal with Saudi Arabia days after ATP PIF’s shocker, as per reports

R- Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) President Arij Mutabagani (Via Alarabiya news)

Just days after the ATP signed a lucrative deal with Saudi PIF, speculations of a three-year agreement between the WTA Finals and the Arab country have been reported. This comes after legends like Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Andy Roddick have blasted the WTA for seeking a deal with the Middle East country.

The ATP signed a deal with the Saudi Wealth Fund that would see the Saudi have naming rights for the ATP rankings and partner with other events in Beijing, Indian Wells, and Miami. The ATP has already signed an agreement with the PIF that would see them host the ATP NexGen tournament for three years.

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However, this latest concrete speculation from Polish outlet Sportspl is not coming as a surprise to tennis fans as the rumors have gained the spotlight since this year. In addition, the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, was heavily criticized for poor planning and weather conditions, which have given Saudi Arabia more advantage in hosting and sponsoring the event this year.

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On X formerly known as Twitter, Jose Morgado reported the speculation, adding that the deal is for three years.

Reports that the WTA Finals will move to Riyadh for the next three years -- with a possible extension. Not surprising.

The wave in which the Saudi country has taken interest in sports is a bigger shocker. With high investments in golf and soccer, they look determined to attract the biggest names in tennis as well with their oil wealth.

Ons Jabeur had extended support to Saudi Arabia hosting WTA Finals

Ons Jabeur has admitted she’s hoping that Saudi Arabia host the WTA Finals. The Tunisian had said that it would inspire women and men, too.

Jabeur recently signed a sponsorship deal with the Middle East Public Investment Fund-owned fitness and wellness brand Kaynee. Rafael Nadal also signed a five-year deal to become the Saudi Arabia Tennis ambassador.

Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur (Via Imago)
It's amazing to go there and inspire, not just women, men too. I think it is very important to do that. Hopefully, if the WTA Finals goes there, I will be one of the supportive players, to try, not just to go play matches there, but also to do a campaign. To go there and do a lot more than just playing tennis.
Jabeur said last month

Last year, the 29-year-old played Aryna Sabalenka in an exhibition match in Riyadh, which also saw Novak Djokovic face Carlos Alcaraz the following day at the same event. Beyond the exhibition matches, Saudi Arabia has launched several programs that will see it become the center of tennis news in the future.

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