WTA Finals 2024: Draw and preview as Sabalenka, Swiatek and Gauff lead the sphere in Saudi Arabia

Former Grand Slam champions Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova mentioned the WTA Finals transfer to Saudi Arabia was a “backward step” for ladies’s tennis.

Critics of Saudi Arabia have accused the oil-rich kingdom of utilizing its wealth to put money into sports activities in an try to spice up its picture – often known as ‘sportswashing’.

The nation has not too long ago invested closely in golf, System 1, soccer and boxing.

The regime has come beneath worldwide scrutiny, with critics declaring that girls’s rights are nonetheless restricted and homosexuality is illegitimate.

The WTA Finals is the primary main tour-level occasion held in Saudi.

WTA chief government Portia Archer mentioned the group was “comfy” with its choice to host the occasion in Saudi Arabia.

“We regularly play in locations and nations which have totally different traditions, totally different cultures, and in some circumstances totally different methods than I or the WTA would have,” he mentioned.

“We guarantee that we respect these native traditions. We could not at all times agree with a few of the insurance policies that exist in a sure nation.”

All gamers had been requested on the event’s media day about competing within the nation.

World primary Gauff mentioned he had some reservations.

“First, for the LGBTQ+ group, for me it’s at all times a group that I’ll combat for. I perceive your issues,” he mentioned.

“In fact, I really feel that with a purpose to ignite change, you need to begin slowly, I used to be taught that approach once I was rising up black in America, I do know our historical past.

“If we are able to run away from it, the place would we be now?

“Clearly I am a girl. I used to be very fearful. My father was very fearful about me coming right here.”

Prime-ranked Sabalenka mentioned “it is vital to carry tennis to the world”.

“The trouble they’ve made in girls’s sports activities right here is excellent. I’m very impressed,” he mentioned.

“I am very completely happy to be right here and to be part of, I’d say, some form of historical past right here.”