Ons Jabeur of Tunisia declared on Wednesday that she would wholeheartedly back the Women’s Tennis Association should it choose to relocate this year’s renowned WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia.
The argument against holding the tournament in the Gulf nation has heated up, particularly in light of the tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova’s vocal objections published in the Washington Post in January.
At Indian Wells, she told reporters, “I think I’m the first player who would be supportive of going to Saudi.”
“The nation is changing. Although I’ve been there a few times and witnessed firsthand how incredible people are and how women are gaining more and more rights, I am aware that other people have other opinions, which is normal.As a female tennis player, I believe the time has come to travel there and provide women who aspire to be tennis players with the opportunity.”
Human rights groups applauded the WTA for stopping its events in China because of worries over Peng Shuai’s treatment, the former world number one in doubles. However, by accepting Riyadh, the WTA runs the danger of infuriating these same activists.
WTA President Steve Simon earlier told Reuters that no decision had been made regarding the Finals schedule for 2024. Additionally, he stated that the kingdom brought up “big issues” last year, and that different parties are currently discussing the situation.
Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in sports like golf, Formula One, and soccer. Critics have countered that the nation uses athletics to hide its dismal record on equality and human rights.
Saudi Arabia disputes claims of violating human rights and asserts that its legal system safeguards its security as a nation.
The men’s ATP Tour announced in August of last year that Saudi Arabia had agreed to host the Next Gen Finals for five years.
As the first Arab woman to enter the top 10, Jabeur peaked at number two in 2021.
On Friday, the American Katie Volynets will face the three-time Grand Slam finalist.