Laura Robson has been speaking about Saudi Arabia’s proposed tennis takeover.
It was noted earlier this week that a bid had been sent that would see the state assume control over the sport, with their plans for the future only set to add to an already bustling calendar.
However, her main issue with the potential switch is not the increased amount of tournaments, but instead regarding how the players are treated throughout these sagas off the court.
She did not hold back with her comments…
What Laura Robson said about the Saudi Arabia tennis takeover
As one of English tennis’ most vocal pundits, Robson is so often the voice of reason when something hits the news.
Remaining unsurprisingly measured and sympathetic when covering the topic of Andy Murray’s touted retirement back during the Australian Open, she has now turned her attention to this proposed Saudi Arabian takeover.
Speaking to Sky Sports, it was the players she feared for, questioning how they planned to fit another mandatory tournament into an already jam-packed calendar whilst also allowing players ample time to enjoy an off-season.
And yet, the main point made by the 30-year-old suggested that more must be done to include players in these discussions.
Robson claimed: ‘It feels like to me that the players get consulted last on these things though. They’re the last ones to find out what’s going on, they’re the last ones to find out what’s changing with the calendar.
‘Yes there’s an ATP player council and a WTA player council. But do they feel like they’re part of the decision-making process? No not really.’
Saudi Arabian influence creeping into all sports…
Whether it will be a good thing for tennis or not, it cannot be ignored how Saudi Arabian influence is creeping into almost every major sport nowadays.
Having reportedly tabled a $2bn take-it-or-leave-it offer, it is understandable why those governing the sport are considering it.
After all, it is life-changing money, and could do great things for the sport.
Their plans to merge the WTA and ATP tours would not see the Grand Slams included, but instead the many Masters 1000 events, including a new one unsurprisingly held in Saudi Arabia.
However, this is not the country’s first foray into the sporting world, nor will it be the last.
Sportwashing is a very real and very important debate to be had regarding an entire state’s involvement in sports, with Boxing, Football and Golf just three examples of the huge investment made to become a dominant force in such a position of influence.
Whilst tennis might benefit from the never-ending funds that would be provided, there are many moral quandaries which must first be discussed, again consulting the players, before such a decision is undertaken.
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