The WTA’s new partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF), has marked promising developments for the sport. Now to do one better, Saudis will be allowing same-sex couples to share a room during the upcoming WTA Finals.
Recently, the WTA signed a huge deal with the oil-rich nation, allowing the WTA Finals to be held in Riyadh. In collaboration with Saudi, the season-ending tournament moves on to the Middle East as its new home. Embracing this change internally and in hopes of changing the stereotypes, Saudi tennis has started small, by changing rules regarding homosexuality.
(L) Martina Navratilova and (R) Chris Evert (Via Imago/X)
The Islamic Shari law, widely followed in many Middle Eastern countries, does not promote homosexualism. However, through the new WTA tournament, Saudi looks to change that. They now welcome every player regardless of their sexual orientation and are even allowed to share rooms.
We have been assured that everybody will be welcome in Saudi Arabia, regardless of sexual orientation or religion. If they are same-sex couples traveling to Riyadh and they want to share rooms in the hotel, that will be accommodated.Marina Storti, the Chief executive of WTA ventures via Telegraph
WTA executives have spoken to Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert
After years of trying to get a tournament in WTA, the Saudis have found themselves well and have more ideas for presentation. Even since two tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, spoke badly about Saudi, the CEO had actively attempted to clear the air between them.
A few months earlier, Navratilova had criticized the WTA for their plans of shifting the WTA Finals to Riyadh. She stated in a letter that the WTA was taking a step backward with the new collaboration and urged the WTA to reconsider its decisions. However, it seems Storti has reached some common ground with the tennis greats.
We have been in discussions with Chris and Martina. I have huge respect for the legends of the game. We had conversations, listened to their concerns, shared everything with the players, read the letters they have sent us. We continue to have a really good relationship with them, but we had to make the right decision for the players, the fans and the tour.Marina Storti revealed
The attempt to keep all stakeholders of the sport by the WTA on the same page is surely showing positive results. With over 15 million dollars as prize money, the tournament has tried to match the ATP Final prize money, and will only get better in the next two years. According to the deal, the WTA Finals will commence on the 2nd of November and will remain as that for the next two years.
