Gay tennis players oppose WTA holding Finals in Saudi Arabia, where gay people are criminalised

The Women's Tennis Association Finals for 2024 have officially been slated for Riyadh in November, with the event set to take place in the Saudi Arabian capital for the subsequent two years. This announcement on Thursday stands as a significant disappointment for the efforts led by tennis icons like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, who advocated against hosting the tournament in a country known for its poor human rights record. Saudi Arabia prohibits same-sex sexual activity, putting LGBTQ+ individuals in the region at constant risk of arrest. Furthermore, the country enforces male guardianship over women by law, though there have been gradual advancements in women's rights in recent years.

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Earlier in January, Navratilova and Evert penned a joint letter to the WTA, emphasizing that selecting Saudi Arabia as the host for the Finals would mark a substantial regression. Nonetheless, the prize money for the top players competing in the tournament has significantly increased, with a boost of $6.25 million from the previous year's finals in Cancun, Mexico. The total prize money now amounts to $15.25 million, as reported by Out Sports.

Despite criticism and concerns raised by advocates, the WTA's decision to move the tournament to Riyadh is defended by the organization's chairman and CEO, Simon Stone, who views it as a positive step towards the long-term development and inclusivity of women's tennis globally. Notably, Daria Kasatkina, a prominent player and one of the openly gay athletes on tour, expressed reservations about the event being held in Saudi Arabia, highlighting that considerations beyond financial gains are crucial.

Marina Storti, the CEO of WTA Ventures, assured that Saudi Arabia would welcome everyone regardless of sexual orientation or religion, allowing same-sex couples to share hotel rooms during the tournament. While acknowledging consultations with Navratilova and Evert, Storti affirmed that the decision was made with the best interests of players, fans, and the tour in mind.

Arij Mutabagani, the president of the Saudi Tennis Federation and the nation's first elected female sports federation president, emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to inclusivity and progress in welcoming all individuals. Despite differing opinions among players, the move to host the Finals in Riyadh is seen as a significant milestone in promoting women's sports and fostering societal advancements in the region.

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