WTA Finals 2024: How is Saudi Arabia tournament unfolding – and what do players think?

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WTA Finals 2024: How is Saudi Arabia tournament unfolding – and what do players think?

Homosexuality is ******** in Saudi Arabia, while Amnesty International has cited the country’s “jailing of women’s rights activists, suppression of free speech and rampant use of the ****** penalty”.

BBC Sport asked all eight singles players the same question: “Did you personally have any reservations or concerns about coming here given the record on human rights, particularly around women’s rights and the LGBTQ+ community?”

The responses were varied, although there was the sense that players felt free to speak without ***** of repercussions. Many said they hoped they could help bring about change.

Several referenced calls that had taken place between players and the WTA, with Jessica Pegula – a member of the WTA’s player council – saying there was “a lot of debate back and forth”.

Zheng Qinwen, Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini all suggested showcasing top-level women’s sport could be a good example within Saudi Arabia.

Swiatek said she was trying to “observe and learn how everything works”, while Sabalenka said: “I saw everything here is quite chill.

“Me personally, I don’t have any issues playing here. I think it’s really important to bring tennis all around the world and inspire [the] young generation.”

Gauff’s response drew on her family’s experience of the move away from ******* segregation in the ******* States.

“Knowing from the past from my grandmother, integrating her school, people aren’t going to like it, but in the long run I think it could be better for everybody,” she said.

But the 20-year-old added: “If I felt uncomfortable or felt like nothing’s happening, then maybe I probably wouldn’t come back.”

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#WTA #Finals #Saudi #Arabia #tournament #unfolding #players

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