Judy Murray has gone against the grain amid scepticism about the WTA Finals being held in Saudi Arabia for the next three years, claiming it is a huge opportunity for women’s tennis. A startling low attendance on day two has intensified criticism of the Middle Eastern state for agreeing to host the showcase event.
Tennis icons Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have been among those who have slammed Saudi Arabia for presenting the WTA Finals due to the country’s human rights record.
Further concerns were raised when just 400 spectators were present at the King Saud University Indoor Arena, which holds crowds of 5,000, for Sunday’s action.
But Murray has urged women’s tennis to make the most of the WTA Finals’ three-year residence in Saudi Arabia, describing it as a glorious chance to elevate the game.
“You couldn’t ask for a better shop window for tennis and especially for women’s tennis with the WTA Finals being here for three years,” Murray told Sky Sports Tennis.
“And we need to max out on that opportunity whilst the role models and the top names in our sport are here.
“We need to raise awareness of the sport but underpin that with all the community engagement that we’re doing and say: ‘Come on, everyone can play.’
“This is a massive opportunity for tennis to be the catalyst for change in women’s sport in Saudi.”
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff would’ve been left disappointed at the sea of empty seats as their campaigns got underway at the weekend.
Swiatek marked her first match in two months with a victory against Barbora Krejcikova, while Gauff triumphed in an all-American clash with Jessica Pegula.
Tim Henman didn’t hesitate to express his discontent at the underwhelming turnout for some of tennis’ biggest names.
He said: “I think it’s just been disappointing. The way the event has been hosted, you look at the stadium courts, it’s absolutely fantastic, all the facilities, practice courts, restaurants, they’ve laid it all on.
“So, it’s just a little bit frustrating, and I think disappointing for the top eight players in the world that we haven’t had a better atmosphere.
“The first day was OK, which was part of the Saudi weekend, but yesterday, to have 300 to 400 in the crowd when you’ve got a 5,000 seater stadium, it just doesn’t create the atmosphere that these great players deserve.”
On Tuesday, Gauff beat Swiatek 6-3 6-4 to lead the Orange group ahead of Thursday’s final group matches. She will face Czechia’s Barbora Krejcikova, while Swiatek will meet Pegula for a spot in the semi-finals.
Aryna Sabalenka, who has been confirmed to end 2024 as the world No. 1, joins Jasmine Paolini, Qinwen Zheng and Elena Rybakina in Purple group.
