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.”
