Coco Gauff Advocates for Change at WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals are set to take place in Saudi Arabia from 2024 to 2026, marking a significant moment in the world of sports. This event will feature the top eight singles players and doubles teams, replacing last year's host, Cancun, Mexico. The decision to host the WTA Finals in Riyadh has sparked discussions about gender equality and LGBTQ rights in the kingdom, with prominent tennis player Coco Gauff sharing her thoughts on the matter.

Coco Gauff, the former U.S. Open champion, expressed her belief that staging the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia could potentially lead to positive changes regarding gender equality and LGBTQ rights. "I'm obviously very aware of the situation here in Saudi. My view on it is that I do think sport can have a way to open doors to people," Gauff stated during a press conference. She emphasized that this event is the first professional women's tennis tournament held in the country, which could pave the way for more opportunities for women in sports.

The WTA has committed to supporting the Future Stars program in Saudi Arabia over the next three years, aiming to encourage more Saudi women to participate in tennis. Gauff highlighted the ambitious goal of having a million people playing tennis in the kingdom by 2030. She hopes that the visibility of the tournament will inspire change and promote equality. "Hopefully with that, people see us and see what we represent, and hopefully that will enact more equality," she added.

However, the decision to host the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia has not been without controversy. Critics, including tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, have voiced their concerns regarding the kingdom's human rights record. Women's rights groups and members of the LGBTQ community have accused Saudi Arabia of using its Public Investment Fund to "sportswash" its image, attempting to distract from its human rights abuses. In response, the Saudi government has denied these accusations, asserting that it prioritizes national security through its laws.

Gauff acknowledged her reservations about the situation in Saudi Arabia, stating, "I would be lying to you if I said I had no reservations." She emphasized the importance of having a genuine plan in place to address these issues. During her discussions with local women, including Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, the first female Saudi ambassador to the U.S., Gauff raised questions about LGBTQ rights and women's rights, seeking ways to contribute positively to the situation.

As the world number three prepares to compete against fellow American Jessica Pegula in her opening match of the WTA Finals, she remains hopeful about the potential for progress. Gauff expressed her desire to witness firsthand any advancements made in the kingdom. "If I felt uncomfortable or it felt like nothing's happening then maybe, I probably wouldn't come back," she remarked, highlighting the importance of genuine change.

The upcoming WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia represent not only a significant sporting event but also a potential catalyst for social change. As athletes like Coco Gauff take a stand and engage in meaningful dialogue, there is hope that the world of sports can indeed open doors and foster greater equality and understanding in regions where such issues are often overlooked. The eyes of the world will be watching closely as this historic event unfolds.