In the world of tennis many feel that it is only a matter of time before Saudi Arabia and its extravagant investment fund expand their activities into the sport.
In recent weeks it has been confirmed that two governing bodies have had discussions about potentially partnering up. ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi recently told The Financial Times that ‘positive’ talks have taken place. Meanwhile, WTA boss Steve Simon visited the country earlier this year and was said to be highly impressed.
Supporters of the move argue that such an agreement will be a massive boost to tennis finances. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has a valuation of more than £500bn. They were instrumental in the takeover of Newcastle United and now have a heavy influence in golf.
However, others are wary of the Saudi approach. Besides the possibility it could split the sport as it has done in golf, there are also concerns about its human rights record. One issue is their treatment of LGBT people. According to Amnesty International, the country uses Sharia law to influence their policies. Meaning that homosexuality is prohibited and public display of same-sex activity could trigger a significant backlash.
So what does an LGBT player feel about the prospect of playing in the Middle Eastern nation?
Belgium’s Greet Minnen is among a handful of players on the women’s Tour who play as an openly out player. Whilst there are no publicly gay players on the ATP Tour, it is the opposite for the women. Multiple Grand Slam winners Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova were among the first athletes to come out more than 30 years ago.
“I think the WTA is going to make sure that we are in a safe environment,” Minnen tells Ubitennis when asked about the possibility of playing in Saudi Arabia. “All the LGBT players are wise enough to not provoke anything or hold hands when we are not at the (tennis) club.’
“I think we have to respect the culture there but it’s not going to be an issue as the WTA will make sure it is a safe environment for us.”
Twenty-five-year-old Minnen has been ranked as high as 69th in the world with this year’s Wimbledon being her 12th appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam. She is yet to win a WTA singles trophy but has claimed two in the doubles with Alison Van Uytvanck.
As a player trying to build up her game to play on the main Tour each week, Minnen sees Saudi Arabia as an opportunity that might help players like her in the future.
“I think it’s important to get as many tournaments as possible (in the calendar). After covid, it has been tough with fewer tournaments to play. Sometimes there is only one 250 in a week which makes it tough for lower-ranked players to get in,” she said.
“So if Saudi Arabia is willing to put more tournaments on the calendar I think it is very good.”
Of course, some fans and even players will still have their concerns about the treatment of gay people in Saudi Arabia if they host events. Although they are not the only country to face this issue with Qatar being another example. Earlier this year their tourism website appears to indicate that they would welcome LGBT tourists.
When Ubitennis asked a member of the Saudi Tennis Federation if they would be welcomed to the country if they brought their same-sex partner. The official said it would be fine as long as there is no public showing of being in a gay relationship.
“It’s not ideal and I hope the country is going to evolve in the coming years,” Minnen commented. “The WTA is going to make sure they respect us as players. Not put heterosexual players in front of LGBT players in scheduling or something.”
Regardless of what unfolds over the weeks and months ahead, Minnen is proud that she is able to play on the Tour as her authentic self. One day there might also be somebody on the men’s Tour who will do the same.
“If I am a role model for some people it is nice but it is not my goal to be one. I am just trying to be open and myself,” she said. “That’s the message that I try to give to everybody else. Don’t hide yourself because the most important thing is to be happy and open. That is what makes me happy.”
Minnen came through three rounds of qualifying at Wimbledon before losing in the first round to Jelena Ostapenko. Her goal for the coming months is to return to the top 100 and then hopefully the top 50 for the first time in her career.
