Djokovic Desires That The Saudi Tennis Deal Uphold “Integrity & Tradition”
If tennis strikes a tournament agreement with Saudi Arabia, Djokovic cautioned that the “integrity and tradition” of the game must be upheld.
If tennis strikes a tournament agreement with Saudi Arabia, Djokovic cautioned that the “integrity and tradition” of the game must be upheld.
Despite claims that the Gulf nation is seeking to “sportswash” its reputation on human rights, the Saudis have targeted both the ATP and WTA, which manage the lucrative men’s and women’s tours.
In addition to funding English team Newcastle, the nation has been bringing in seasoned football players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to play in their domestic league.
By supporting the dissident LIV series and already hosting a Formula One Grand Prix, Saudi Arabia also shocked the golf world.
“I think that we, as individual sports on a global level, are probably closest to golf in terms of how we see sports.”
“I think from that example we can probably learn a lot, some positives, some negatives, and try to structure a deal, if it’s going in that direction, that is going to protect the integrity, tradition, and history of this sport, but still be able to grow it in such a way that it will be appropriate.”
23-time major winner Djokovic said at Wimbledon
Steve Simon, the chief executive of the WTA, stated on Friday that his company is examining the “challenging topic” of bringing sports to Saudi Arabia.
The premier end-of-season WTA Championships have been associated with the nation.
“It’s a complicated and challenging topic that is being measured by many groups right now.”
“In February, I went to Saudi Arabia to see it for myself. We took a couple of players and some reps as well. We wanted to see what the change was.”
Steve Simon
According to ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, the men’s circuit and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have reportedly held “positive” negotiations over a future partnership.
Tennis greats Chris Evert and John McEnroe criticized such an announcement.
‘Play wherever WTA decides.’
Iga Swiatek, the number-one female player in the world, stated that she was still awaiting the conclusion of a WTA agreement with Saudi Arabia.
“It’s hard to know what the rumor is and what it’s not.”
“I’ll be ready to play wherever the WTA decides we’re going to play.”
Iga Swiatek
Swiatek, now the defending champion of both the US Open and the French Open, has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Despite acknowledging she has yet to consider Saudi Arabia’s possible drawbacks, the 22-year-old Pole is sure that she and her friends can impact any choice.
“I was more thinking about what I could do as an individual player. As a community, I feel like we have some power; we could use that.”
Iga Swiatek
Despite suffering from food sickness that caused her to miss the Bad Homburg event on Friday, Swiatek, who just won her third French Open title, claimed she is optimistic about making a Wimbledon challenge.
“I’m okay. I had an awful night. We did things with my conditioning coach, like measurements in the morning.”
“They didn’t look good because I barely slept. I had a stomach ache, but I didn’t know if something was wrong. “Later in the day, I felt okay, so I’m pretty sure it’s going to be fine.”
Iga Swiatek
At the All England Club, where she has yet to advance past the round of 16, Swiatek is scheduled to compete against China’s Zhu Lin in the opening round.
