Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, confronts her reservations about Saudi Arabia hosting the WTA Finals, emphasizing the potential of sport to promote cultural understanding and inspire equality despite existing human rights concerns.
Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, has emerged as a steady voice amid the ongoing discussions about moving the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia. Though she initially had reservations about holding the tournament in Riyadh, Gauff strongly believes in the potential of sport to bridge cultural gaps and promote inclusivity. As the WTA Finals take place from November 2-9, the event holds significant importance not just for the athletes involved but also for its wider societal impacts.
In a candid reflection, Gauff stated, 'I’m obviously very aware of the situation here in Saudi. My view on it is that I do think sport can have a way to open doors to people.' This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first professional women's tennis event held in the kingdom, and the WTA has committed to supporting the Future Stars program for the next three years, aiming to cultivate a new generation of female tennis players in Saudi Arabia. Gauff elaborated on the ambitious goal set by the WTA, stating that she thinks their aim is to have a million people playing tennis here by 2030. She expressed hope that, with that, people will see us and what we represent, and hopefully that will lead to more equality.
In recent times, Saudi Arabia has become a hub for high-profile sporting events, but it still faces criticism for its human rights record. Gauff, an outspoken advocate for equality and social justice, openly expressed her concerns. She admitted, 'I would be lying to you if I said I had no reservations. You guys know who I am and the things I speak about. I was on almost every player call with the WTA that I could attend.'
Gauff highlighted the necessity of leaving a lasting impact beyond merely participating in the tournament. 'If we come here, we can't just come here and play our tournament and leave. We need to have a real program, a real plan in place.' Her dedication to ensuring the event fulfills a larger purpose showcases her awareness of the influential role athletes play in society. However, she also mentioned that her continued participation depends on the overall experience, stating, 'If I felt uncomfortable or it felt like nothing's happening, then maybe I probably wouldn't come back.'
As she gets ready to compete against her fellow American Jessica Pegula in her first match at the WTA Finals, Gauff's commitment to fighting for equality shines through in the context of this significant event. The 2023 WTA Finals not only provide a stage for the sport's top players but also highlight the ongoing dialogue about women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia. Gauff's involvement and viewpoint enhance the discussion, demonstrating the ability of sports to drive positive change while highlighting the challenges that persist.
