The WTA is set for a Saudi Arabian shake-up, whether they like it or not.
The Middle Eastern country has been lobbying for an increased involvement in the tennis world for some time now, vocalising their interest in the sport.
This comes after heavy investment in football, boxing and golf, all of which have drawn some degree of controversy.
But they pail in comparison to this latest venture, which would challenge many long-held beliefs regarding women should it come to fruition.
Jon Wertheim offers the latest.
What Jon Wertheim said about Saudi Arabian involvement in tennis
Speaking on Served with Andy Roddick, the renowned tennis journalist has sought to update fans on what might be to come regarding this Saudi swoop for increased involvement.
Through a string of high-profile exhibition matches, and even hosting the Next Gen ATP finals last year, they have made great strides in establishing themselves as a place worthy of participation.
However, the latest round of talks has sought to level up on this latest tournament, as they seek to bring the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia now.
Wertheim even noted: ‘It’s an open secret that the women – if they are not going to move their tour finals there – it’s going to be one of the great upsets of the year. Because the ink is dry, we are being told. This is something tennis is going to have to be reckoned with.’
An understandable amount of opposition grows in the tennis world
Although Saudi Arabia are making desperate efforts to try and legitimise their tennis operations, they continue to face wholly justified backlash.
After all, it seems that despite vocal praise from the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, both of whom featured in exhibition matches at the end of 2023, many have been left with a sour taste in their mouths.
Most notably Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, with two icons of the women’s game noting: ‘We did not help build women’s tennis for it to be exploited by Saudi Arabia.’
This condemnation comes due to the questionable record held by the country regarding women’s rights, which still provokes controversy over guardianship, segregation and restrictions.
Women were not even allowed to enter stadiums to watch tennis until 2018.
Meanwhile, it almost feels like there is a quiet resignation that they will get what they want, with world number one Iga Swiatek detailing the difficulties faced by women despite giving in to the prospect.
Coco Gauff was another who held a similar opinion, but, like Ons Jabeur, hopes to inspire change within Saudi Arabia should the move come to fruition.
Rafael Nadal, one of tennis’ greatest-ever, recently signed on to be an ambassador for tennis in the country just weeks before the announcement of a potential Saudi Arabian ‘super tour‘ in the men’s game.
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