Tennis legend Martina Navratilova says it is ‘egotistical’ to believe that hosting the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia will affect the country’s policies.
The multiple Grand Slam winner has spoken publically about concerns over hosting tennis events in the country due to its human rights records, especially concerning women and those from the LGBT community. Saudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing which is the process of hosting sports events to improve the image of a country whose reputation has been tarnished by wrongdoing. Earlier this year, Navratilova and fellow tennis icon Chris Evert co-wrote an editorial for the Washington Post opposing a move to the country.
However, the WTA has formed an agreement with the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) to host their season-ending event there from this year until at least 2026. A record $15.25m (£12m) in prize money will be available which will make the event the biggest annual women’s sporting event held in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to reporters at a Laureus event in Madrid on Sunday, Navratilova says she has no plans to work in Saudi Arabia as a pundit for the upcoming event. Even though she has previously been invited to the country by STF chief Arij Almutabagani who is among those arguing that her country is making positive changes to their rules and regulations.
“We’re going to Saudi Arabia which is about as big a change as you can make, except for maybe going to North Korea,” Navratilova told reporters.
“Chris Evert and I have made our views clear on that, but the players have made their choices. We’ll see how things work out.
“I heard players say they ‘don’t want to be political’. Going to Saudi is about as political as you can get.
“Welcome to sport. Sports is political and has been at the forefront of social change. I don’t see how anything happens there without the blessing of MBS (Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi ruler).
“He decides what goes and what doesn’t. We’re a bit egotistical to think we can make a difference, but who knows?
“The players have to honour that, they’re the ones competing. We’re not affected by it. We’re not going there to play.”
Praise for tennis’ young guns
Navratilova has also shared her views about two players who have impressed on the men’s Tour in recent months. The former world No.1 paid tribute to Carlos Alcaraz by describing him as the best player who can use improvisation in the men’s game.
“I have to say that Carlos is so complete…. Djokovic is incredible but Alcaraz takes tennis to a different level because he improvises better than anyone else”. She commented.
“Wimbledon has given us matches for history but I think last year’s final between Alcaraz and Djokovic was the most exciting I have ever seen.”
As for Jannik Sinner, she paid tribute to his work ethic. The Italian has already claimed a trio of titles in 2024 and only two players have beaten him so far. One of those was Alcaraz in Indian Wells and the other was Stefanos Tsitsipas in Monte Carlo.
“Jannik is unbelievable. He is the proof of how work allows you to improve and play at the highest level. I’m looking forward to the next ten years and the duels between Alcaraz, Sinner and some other player who can join.” Navratilova said of Sinner.
Navratilova is an ambassador of the Laureus Awards which will take place on Monday evening.
