Judy Murray advocates for tennis in Saudi Arabia, sharing her positive experiences and highlighting the country's hospitality and passion for the sport, amid ongoing debates about human rights and international sports investments.
Judy Murray, mother of former world number one Andy Murray, has voiced her support for tennis being played in Saudi Arabia after her experiences at the current WTA Finals in Riyadh, marking the inaugural hosting of this event in the country.
The tournament has come under scrutiny, especially from Western nations, with numerous individuals questioning Saudi Arabia's intentions behind its substantial investments in different sports. Detractors suggest that the Kingdom could be leveraging these investments to distract from its human rights issues. While Andy Murray has openly condemned the country’s human rights record and declined an invitation to participate in the event, Judy Murray has adopted a contrasting viewpoint.
In an interview with BBC 5 Live, the 65-year-old former tennis coach highlighted the positive experiences she has encountered in Saudi Arabia. She urged others to visit the nation and witness its culture firsthand, placing particular emphasis on the warmth and hospitality she has enjoyed. “I’ve been able to share with him [Andy] what my experience here has been,” she remarked. “And I would encourage anyone who has concerns about our visit to come and see for themselves; you will be amazed by the hospitality, the welcome, and the enthusiasm for fostering change.”
Murray elaborated that the excitement she observed for tennis, along with the nation's ambition to promote the sport, made a lasting impression on her. She recounted an experience from Instagram where a local Saudi woman expressed her enthusiasm about attending Murray's class and thanked her for visiting their country. Judy feels that this willingness to engage with tennis demonstrates the nation's deep passion for the sport and its dedication to providing opportunities for the local population.
