Ons Jabeur, the fifth seed in the US Open, is urging the ATP and WTA to move some of its competitions to Saudi Arabia. Jabeur claims that she is “pushing for change” in Saudi. She added that a WTA event conducted there would help to empower women. The WTA has spoken with Saudi Arabia about hosting its season-ending Finals.
It has been criticized that the WTA would travel to a country where women face prejudice. However, world no. 5 believes that things are changing in Saudi Arabia and the population there is evolving now. And the tennis enthusiasts on social media criticized Jabeur for her remarks.
They’ll put in front of Ons a preselected group of female tennis enthusiasts/players and she’ll believe she’s changing the world.
— S.| (@Sarilec) August 25, 2023
In recent years, the country has increased its influence in sports through its financial clout, raising accusations of “sportswashing” to boost its international standing. At the US Open in New York, Tunisia’s Jabeur commented, “As an Arab player, I’d be very excited to be there.”
One user commented “Very disappointed with @Ons_Jabeur superficial point of view” to show their disappointment.
Really? Very disappointed with @Ons_Jabeur superficial point of view. One of my fav players 😞 I’m sorry but. Do you really think sportswashing and shaking hands with the human rights abusers will inspire native tennis players or even any change? https://t.co/yQtYZzhZBL
— Anaides Cougo (@AnaidesCougo) August 25, 2023
Jabeur remembered when she had gone to Saudi Arabia to give an interview and a speech. She remarked how the women there were ‘amazing’. Jabeur continued to add how it would help the Arab Nations if tennis was introduced more widely in the region.
However, there are a few players like Nick Kygrios and Carlos Alcaraz who share points of view with Ons. While there are others like Martina Navratilova who are against the idea of hosting tennis events in a country like Saudi Arabia.
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova do not agree with Ons Jabeur
Martina Navratilova, a former world number one, expressed her “heartbreak” that current players would travel to Saudi Arabia to compete. She went on to add if she were still active, she would not go. Martina took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to show her disappointment. She posted “Hard to believe I am getting c**p for saying I would not go play tennis in Saudi Arabia.”
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
The alleged issues with the country’s policies and norms are the main reason that has led people worldwide to oppose the decision taken by WTA and ATP. Tennis icon and former rival of Martina, Chris Evert, joined Martina in opposing the decision and took to X to voice her dismay.
The WTA is about equality. We have been leaders and role models in women’s sports. We have made decisions the last 50 years with integrity and dignity. We have empowered women…Take less money and do the right thing…🙏💪👍
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) August 27, 2023
While there are other players like Jessica Pegula who hold a diplomatic view on the entire fiasco. The American world number three said she wouldn’t be opposed to the event moving to Saudi Arabia if it could clearly affect women’s rights.
While ATP has already confirmed they will be holding tennis tournaments in Saudi Arabia in the coming future. WTA has yet to confirm any of its conclusions. Time will only tell if holding Tennis events in the Middle East will be beneficial for the community or not. However, with its successful bid, Jeddah will be the first Saudi Arabian city to host an official professional tennis match.