11 C
New York
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
pCloud Premium

WTA Finals 2024: How is Saudi Arabia tournament unfolding – and what do players think?


Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, while Amnesty International has cited the country’s “jailing of women’s rights activists, suppression of free speech and rampant use of the death penalty”.

BBC Sport asked all eight singles players the same question: “Did you personally have any reservations or concerns about coming here given the record on human rights, particularly around women’s rights and the LGBTQ+ community?”

The responses were varied, although there was the sense that players felt free to speak without fear of repercussions. Many said they hoped they could help bring about change.

Several referenced calls that had taken place between players and the WTA, with Jessica Pegula – a member of the WTA’s player council – saying there was “a lot of debate back and forth”.

Zheng Qinwen, Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini all suggested showcasing top-level women’s sport could be a good example within Saudi Arabia.

Swiatek said she was trying to “observe and learn how everything works”, while Sabalenka said: “I saw everything here is quite chill.

“Me personally, I don’t have any issues playing here. I think it’s really important to bring tennis all around the world and inspire [the] young generation.”

Gauff’s response drew on her family’s experience of the move away from racial segregation in the United States.

“Knowing from the past from my grandmother, integrating her school, people aren’t going to like it, but in the long run I think it could be better for everybody,” she said.

But the 20-year-old added: “If I felt uncomfortable or felt like nothing’s happening, then maybe I probably wouldn’t come back.”



Source link

Odisha Expo
Odisha Expohttps://www.odishaexpo.com
Odisha Expo is one of the Largest News Aggregator of Odisha, Stay Updated about the latest news with Odisha Expo from around the world. Stay hooked for more updates.

Related Articles

Stay Connected

0FansLike
0FollowersFollow
0SubscribersSubscribe
Best Lifetime Deals on SaaSspot_img

Latest Articles

Tiger Woods to miss next month’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas

0
Tiger Woods says he is "disappointed" that he will miss next month's Hero World Challenge in Albany, the Bahamas.The 15-time major winner hosts...

San Jose State volleyball player at center of fight over trans athletes can compete...

0
A federal judge ruled Monday that a volleyball player for the San Jose State University women's team, who is at the center of...

Frank Lampard Leads the Race as Coventry City Face Managerial Reset

0
Frank Lampard and Steve Cooper in the race to become the manager of the Coventry City club, as the team eyes for a...

5 Democratic assumptions shattered by the 2024 election: From the Politics Desk

0
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and...

Guglielmo Vicario: Tottenham goalkeeper has surgery on fractured ankle

0
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is set for a spell on the sidelines after having surgery on a fractured ankle.The 28-year-old sustained the...