Speaking to BBC Sport, Martina Navratilova voiced her concerns about LGBTQ rights in Saudi Arabia. She was not in favour of letting the Gulf nation host WTA events. Fans reacted to her words in contrasting manners. The Czech-American found support from most corners, while a few slammed her for fearmongering.
Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have hosted ATP and WTA Tour events for some time now. Saudi Arabia, however, was not on the map until recently. The nation is notorious for its tight laws regarding religion, sexuality, and women’s rights. They have been accused of sportswashing after entering the world of golf and soccer.
As the discussion moved to tennis, Navratilova objected to holding WTA tournaments in Saudi Arabia. The former World No.1 came out in 1981 and is in a same-sex marriage. Homosexuality is a crime in the country and Navratilova said she would be worried for the openly gay players (BBC). She said the LGBTQ population in Saudi Arabia lives in fear, hence, it is risky to hold WTA events there.
“I absolutely would worry. I would worry for them as women, I would worry for them as gay women. People live in fear that live there. For me, it’s just too risky and still too dangerous.”
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted with different opinions. A section of users urged her to not jump to conclusions, saying Saudi Arabia has made progress in recent years. One fan said the country has exceptions for foreigners so WTA players need not worry. They also mentioned the financial boost the partnership would bring.
It’s pretty clear that Saudi Arabia has different laws for non citizens. WTA players would be facing no threats and they’ll make a lot more money lol
— Mike Gerasimo (@SIGerasimo) December 5, 2023
Love Martina, however I completely disagree. MbS has made some incredible efforts on positive change for women in Saudi. So difficult to change this culture. Strong women can be the catalyst to start a cultural revolution. Money would be nice for WTA as well.
— Jamey Squires (@BoomingServe) December 6, 2023
WTA shouldn’t overlook the opportunity in the KSA – it’s a big chance for women’s tennis to become more popular, attract more viewers, and boost sales of tennis gear.
Media misconceptions aside, recent years have seen impressive progress under HRH the Crown Prince M. bin Salman.
— ortolan (@steppenwolf1994) December 5, 2023
Stop the fear mongering- I lived there for 30 years and was there last month. Yes, Saudia is a very conservative Islamic country but not the same as early the 1990s when I first went there. Money talks and from what I observe the WTA needs some
— Michelle Rockliff (@mannerockliff) December 5, 2023
Of course she doesn’t agree. She doesn’t have mouths to feed, for one. And what China got you exactly? Like players walk away with loads of prize money?
— NPV (@ouri_jin) December 6, 2023
Bullshit . The Arab world already has Abu Dhabi and dubai and Qatar and no one ever had any issue in these countries. They have excellent management and Saudi Arabia will be the same . Some legends should stop giving their stupid racist opinions .
— cs (@christ_sleiman) December 6, 2023
However, Navratilova also found support from many. Fans echoed her concerns and lauded her for speaking up.
Totally agree with @Martina. I would never travel to Saudi Arabia due to women’s rights. Keep up the pressure, Martina!
— Tennis Discovery (@TennisDiscovery) December 6, 2023
Well said @Martina It would be a travesty for the WTA champs to go to Saudi – almost like the @WTA don’t really care for women or the players and are only interested in the money. Don’t sell your soul
— Stefano (@stritenata) December 5, 2023
Thank you for standing up for women. @Martina
— Belinda Fernandez (@Belinda0871) December 6, 2023
Users criticised the WTA for seemingly prioritising money over players’ safety and rights.
In this fucking world, respect, rights and freedom no longer matter. The only thing that matters is money
— Black Wings (@BlackWi72648303) December 5, 2023
Martina is correct but WTA needs more money. The WTA in a difficult spot because Saudi Arabia is rich. But since women human rights not priority of Saudi government WTA can’t accept their money.
— OrvilleLloydDouglas️ (@OrvilleLloyd) December 5, 2023
They are dismantling the PGA tour,
they will do the same with the WTA and the ATP tours
It appears it all about the money, and not the sport,
VERY SAD INDEED— dc0531 (@dougwc1) December 5, 2023
As with golf, tennis will succumb to the money as well. Saudi sportswashing is inevitable.
— Charles gordon (@gordo12238) December 6, 2023
Martina is correct. The WTA and ATP only care about money. They continue to participate in the discrimination of Russian / Belarusian players, but have no problem having events in countries where gay people can be killed or jailed. Looking forward to tennis in Russia again.
— michael epps (@michael_epps) December 6, 2023
Martina Navratilova further opposes Saudi Arabia as tennis world stands divided
The ATP recently awarded Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the Next Gen ATP Finals from 2023 to 2027. The 2023 WTA Finals were widely rumoured to be held there but ultimately happened in Cancun, Mexico. Regardless, Saudi remains relentless and could soon feature more on the WTA schedule. For a sport that is virtually a money pit at the moment, the wealth of the Arab country will come as a blessing.
However, Martina Navratilova disagreed with this, saying it is like ‘selling your soul’. She had doubts that the WTA’s hands would be tied if they gave in to the financial power, citing China as an example. She said Saudi Arabia is not ready to host a women’s tournament. The 18-time singles Majors winner agreed that things have improved but there are still many laws which do not treat women as equal. She said she preferred to wait for more changes before getting the Gulf nation on the WTA calendar.
Some players on the tour are more accepting of Saudi involvement in tennis. Nick Kyrgios was enthusiastic and also defended Saudi Arabia’s women’s laws, even to the extent of saying that his girlfriend felt fine there when they visited once. The Aussie has often played in exhibition tournaments in the Arab nation. Additionally, the likes of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Aryna Sabalenka are set to play a friendly event at the end of the year in Riyadh, the capital city. It seems inevitable that Saudi Arabia will soon find a place on the ATP and WTA calendars despite continued resistance from many players.
