London (AFP) – Women’s Tennis Association chief executive Steve Simon said his organization was assessing the “difficult subject” of introducing the sport to Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Arabia has reportedly contacted the Women’s Tour to organize an event, potentially the prestigious end-of-season final.
The WTA has yet to begin formal discussions with Saudi officials, but Simon recently accompanied two players and representatives from the organization to the Gulf state to take a closer look at their plans.
Simon is well aware that striking a deal with Saudi Arabia would be controversial given human rights issues in the region and the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s a very difficult and challenging topic that is currently being evaluated by many groups,” Smith told reporters at a WTA event in London on Friday.
“In February I went to Saudi Arabia to see it for myself. We took some players and some representatives as well. We wanted to see what the change was.
“The Saudis are talking to a lot of people and a lot of different sports right now. I think everyone is evaluating what that means and how are you going to move forward with that?”
Aside from Saudi interest in women’s tennis, ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi said the men’s tour had had “positive” discussions with the Saudi Public Investment Fund about a potential deal.
The announcement sparked criticism from tennis legends John McEnroe and Chris Evert, with accusations of “sports washing” once again aimed at the Saudis.
Women’s tennis was played in neighboring Qatar from 2008 to 2010, when Doha hosted the WTA Finals.
And Simon believes the sport could prove an agent of change in the region if Saudi authorities continue to take a more progressive approach.
“As far as the Saudis are concerned, we need to look at this very seriously and decide how you will approach and engage them,” he said.
“You want them to do what they’re talking about right now and advance opportunities for women in the country, to make it better. You have to support that, you can’t walk away from that.
“I’m not saying Saudi Arabia is a country we should or shouldn’t do business with, but they are making huge changes.
“Where they were five years ago and where they are today on women’s issues is significant. The question is should we support it and how can we support it?”
“It’s a big problem”
Simon is keen to involve his players as much as possible given the potential for backlash.
“I want to understand what their perception would be. It’s an important issue. And it’s a controversial issue and I appreciate their voice,” he said.
“There are still tons of issues in Saudi Arabia, as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community, that need to be addressed. We have had conversations and we will continue to have them.
“The progress and evolution of women’s rights right now is transformational. They have a long way to go, but they are making enormous progress.”
Asked if gay players would be safe in Saudi Arabia, Simon added: “Yes. That’s something we don’t agree with. There’s still progress to be made.
“We’ve had direct conversations about this issue. It’s a very sensitive issue out there, it’s probably going to take some time to get around to it.”
Simon was speaking at an event celebrating the founding of the WTA 50 years ago. The Saudi issue being such a hot topic, it was therefore fitting that pioneer Billie Jean King was present.
King was the driving force behind the creation of the WTA and remains an advocate for equality.
Asked if she would support a women’s tournament in Saudi Arabia, King replied: “I strongly believe in commitment. How are we going to change things if we don’t commit. But it’s difficult. I totally understand (the difficulties).”
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