Coco Gauff admits 'reservations' about Masters in Saudi Arabia, 'no problem' for Sabalenka

The American Coco Gauff, who is playing the Women's Tennis Masters in Saudi Arabia from Saturday, admitted to having had “reserves” on the holding of the event in the conservative kingdom, adding however to believe that sport helps to make things happen.

“I would be lying to you if I said that I had no reservations… One of the things I said (during discussions ahead of the tournament, editor's note), is that even if it meant coming here, we couldn't just play and leave. We must have a real program, a real plan”declared the world number three, while the kingdom is often criticized by NGOs for its human rights violations, particularly against women.

Because, for the 20-year-old player, who in the past has been involved in her own country on the issue of minority rights, sport can help advance certain struggles. “Obviously, I am perfectly aware of the situation (in terms of human rights, editor's note) here in Saudi Arabia. My vision is that sport can be a way to open doors for people… I think that to want change, you have to see things for yourself.she commented during a press conference Friday in Riyadh.

“It’s one of the things I want to see with my own eyes, to see if it evolves. If I feel uncomfortable or like nothing is changing, then I probably won't come back.”added Coco Gauff, specifying that her upstream discussions had focused in particular on the rights of women but also of LGBTQ+.

“Incredible”, Sabalenka praises the country’s “efforts”

The WTA professional circuit has signed a three-year contract with the Saudi Federation to hold the Women's Masters at the end of the season in the kingdom.

Also questioned, the world number one, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, said she had not “no problem playing here”. “I came to play an exhibition match with (Tunisian) Ons (Jabeur, last year) and I saw that everything was rather relaxed… The efforts they are making for women's sport, it's is incredible and I am truly impressed”she said.

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has undertaken vast reforms in recent years, focusing in particular on tourism and sport to open up internationally and diversify its economy, which is very dependent on oil.

But if, for example, Saudi women now have the right to drive, the personal status law which came into force in 2022 still contains discriminatory provisions.

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