Tunisian tennis sensation Ons Jabeur has thrown her weight behind the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) of their exploration of internet hosting a match in Saudi Arabia, marking a major endorsement for the governing physique.
As the game’s most outstanding Arab participant and final yr’s Wimbledon runner-up, Jabeur’s assist provides weight to the WTA’s curiosity within the Gulf state.
In an interview following her straight units victory towards Magdalena Frech within the Wimbledon first spherical, Jabeur expressed her wholehearted backing, saying, “If it benefits the players, I’m 100% there. I hope in Saudi they will not just invest with ATP, I hope with WTA (as well).”
WTA Chief Executive Steve Simon lately revealed that the group is contemplating the “challenging topic” of bringing tennis to Saudi Arabia, with discussions revolving round the potential of internet hosting the distinguished WTA Championships, a flagship end-of-season occasion.
While Saudi Arabia has confronted criticism for its human rights report and accusations of “sportswashing,” the nation has been increasing its world footprint lately.
Notably, the curiosity in girls’s tennis has emerged alongside optimistic discussions between the ATP and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund for potential collaboration, a transfer that has drawn criticism from tennis legends John McEnroe and Chris Evert.
However, Jabeur disagrees with the critics and highlights the progress being made in Saudi Arabia relating to girls’s rights.
She believes that the time is ripe for change, asserting, “I believe in Saudi they’re doing great giving women more rights. It’s time to change things.” Jabeur additionally proudly acknowledges the presence of herself and Egypt’s Mayar Sherif, as the 2 main girls in Arab tennis, emphasizing the significance of seizing this second. “It’s now or never. I hope they really invest in WTA.”
The Saudis have made important inroads in sports activities, securing soccer stars comparable to Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema for his or her home league, in addition to buying possession of the English Premier League membership Newcastle.
Their affect has even prolonged to golf with the financing of the controversial insurgent LIV collection.
However, Jabeur believes that tennis would current a distinct situation altogether, expressing her optimistic expertise throughout her go to to Saudi Arabia final yr.
“I think it is a completely different situation than golf … I believe it could be a great idea to go there and play tournaments,” she stated.
As Jabeur advances within the Wimbledon match because the sixth seed, she eagerly awaits her subsequent problem towards both Belgium’s Ysaline Bonaventure or China’s Zhouxian Bai, whereas preserving a watchful eye on the potential developments that will unfold relating to Saudi Arabia’s involvement on the planet of tennis.
With her unwavering assist, Jabeur hopes that any partnership will prioritize the gamers’ pursuits and ship larger advantages than at the moment out there.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
