This 12 months’s WTA Finals will probably be staged within the Mexican resort of Cancun – however the one-year settlement leaves the door open for Saudi Arabia to host the occasion in future seasons.
Saudi Arabia held talks with the ladies’s tour about internet hosting its end-of-season occasion, and BBC Sport understands the nation was in pole place simply two weeks in the past.
Gamers have been principally supportive of going to Saudi Arabia.
Nevertheless, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe voiced opposition because the WTA deliberated.
The venue choice for the October 29 to November 5 event is not going to be widespread with organisers of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
That showpiece begins in Seville – seven time zones forward – simply two days after the WTA Finals conclude.
The opportunity of the WTA going to a rustic resembling Saudi Arabia, the place ladies face discrimination, has been criticised.
Saudi Arabia has used its monetary energy to extend affect within the sporting world over current years, resulting in accusations of ‘sportswashing’ – an try to enhance international status.
The nation has lengthy been criticised for points round human rights, together with an absence of ladies’s rights, the criminalisation of homosexuality, the restriction of free speech and using the dying penalty.
“The WTA is about equality,” the 18 time Grand Slam singles champion Evert stated in a social media put up.
“We have now been leaders and function fashions in ladies’s sports activities. We have now made choices the final 50 years with integrity and dignity. We have now empowered ladies. Take much less cash and do the precise factor.”
The Subsequent Gen ATP Finals, for gamers aged 21 and beneath, will start a 5 12 months run in Jeddah from November this 12 months, and it stays distinctly potential that the WTA will conclude a long run deal for the WTA Finals with Saudi Arabia within the months forward.