Tennis is an ever-evolving sport. Various tournaments are held around the world which has only contributed to its growing popularity with time. However, not all decisions pertaining to the sport are backed by former tennis legends. Martina Navratilova has always been vocal about her opinions, but this time she faced a lot of backlash for it.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion has always been opposed to the idea of Saudi Arabia investing in tennis. But unfortunately, it seems that tennis is about to follow soccer’s and golf’s laid-down path.
Recently, Jon Wertheim, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share Martina’s message. In the message, Martina clearly states that if she were still an active player, she would not play in Saudi Arabia.
And this (via text) from @Martina : “I can tell you 100% if I were still playing, I would not be going [to Saudi Arabia] for the Championships.”
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) August 24, 2023
However, fans were unimpressed with Navratilova’s opinion and flocked to social me to criticize her views. They pointed out that Martina’s ideas are outdated because the Middle East is now safer than it used to be. Another fan called her a hypocrite for boycotting Saudi as a queer woman while spewing anti-trans rhetoric online. Here are a few reactions.
Times have certainly changed. The Middle East is one of the safest places on earth and a true melting pot of different cultures where they all coexist and learn from earth other in a peaceful and respectful environment. It’s a fact.
— Julio Cesar Rodriguez (@jcrmtxus) August 25, 2023
That’s rich. Martina can rebuke Saudi Arabia for being inhospitable to gay players, itself a reflection of Islamophobia, but can’t stop herself from spewing anti-trans content on the regular from her Western perch. Make it make sense!
— Lady Wimbledown (@LadyWimbledown) August 24, 2023
Navratilova inadvertently started the discourse around tennis in Saudi again. Martina could not believe the backlash she faced from her fans, and stated, “Hard to believe I am getting cr*p.”
Hard to believe I am getting crap for saying I would not go play tennis in Saudi Arabia. From all kinds of angles. WTAF??? https://t.co/7Oux6vpwpT
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) August 25, 2023
It is unclear if the WTA finals will be held in the Middle East, but the ATP Next Gen will be held there. This move has drawn criticism from a lot of former tennis players.
Martina Navratilova has found support from her former rival-turned-friend Chris Evert
It is very easy to have your voice drowned out by the crowd in any sport. But the hardest battle is probably to stay true to one’s morals. Chris Evert is one such tennis icon, who is firm in her beliefs.
It is still unclear where the WTA finals will be held this year, and players have already expressed their frustrations over this dilly-dallying. The ATP Next Gen finals will be held in Saudi and it seems likely that the WTA will be too. It is reported by the New York Post that Riyadh will likely host the tournament in 2024.
Chris Evert was caught off guard when she was asked about it. She did not know Saudi was being considered to host the event. Evert echoed Martina’s sentiments, stating, that while her vote does not count, she would not have played in Saudi if it were up to her.
Chris also spoke about the alleged human rights violations the country has been accused of time and again. And then added how women are treated there, making her against any such decision by the WTA.
These are just speculations at this point. Only time will tell if tennis too will follow the path laid down by soccer and golf before them.