WTA chief executive Portia Archer defends Tour Finals ‘values’ ahead of Saudi Arabia tournament
1 month, 3 weeks ago

WTA chief executive Portia Archer defends Tour Finals ‘values’ ahead of Saudi Arabia tournament

New York Times  

RIYADH — Women’s Tennis Association chief executive officer Portia Archer has defended staging the WTA Tour Finals in Saudi Arabia in her first major address to the media since starting the role in July. “I don’t feel that there’s some limit, but I certainly know that there are cases and instances where we won’t go to certain countries if we don’t have that comfort.” GO DEEPER After two years of chaos, Garbine Muguruza seeks WTA Tour Finals normality in Riyadh The WTA and its men’s equivalent, the ATP, have not held tournaments in Russia since Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago. ‘Bringing the WTA Tour Finals to Saudi Arabia was never going to be comfortable’ Analysis from senior tennis writer Matt Futterman Bringing the WTA Tour Finals to Saudi Arabia was never going to be comfortable, as Portia Archer, the tour’s chief executive, learned Friday. Saudi funds already have close ties to tennis, including Public Investment Fund sponsorship of the ATP and WTA rankings, and the hosting of the ATP Tour Next Gen Finals and exhibitions like the ‘Six Kings Slam.’ Several of the biggest names in the sport, including Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, have long been among the loudest critics of the deal for the marquee event in women’s tennis to join the relationship.

Women Tennis Values Finals Saudi Arabia Tournament Saudi Tour Riyadh Archer Arabia Wta Martina Navratilova Navratilova Chris Evert Evert Shuai Tour Finals Portia Archer Matthew Stockman Bandar Al Saud  values  executive  finals  chief  say  arabia  tour  navratilova  portia  women  wta  defends  archer  saudi  tournament  tennis

History of this topic

Gauff's Finals title caps a big turnaround in fortunes
1 month, 1 week ago

Gauff's Finals title caps a big turnaround in fortunes

China Daily  

Coco Gauff of the US kisses the trophy after beating China's Zheng Qinwen in the championship match of the WTA Finals at the King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. After defeating both the No 1 and No 2-ranked women — Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek — earlier in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Gauff got past Olympic …

Building top rivalry and fresh momentum in women’s tennis
1 month, 1 week ago

Building top rivalry and fresh momentum in women’s tennis

Hindustan Times  

Mumbai: In the middle of her title-winning run at the WTA Wuhan Open last month with the then world No.1 Iga Swiatek away on her coaching reboot, Aryna Sabalenka underlined a “much-needed”” occurrence in women’s tennis. “Having this rivalry with Iga,” the Belarusian said, “is something big for tennis and something much-needed, I would say, in women’s tennis.” For the …

Female tennis players accused of complicity in Saudi Arabia 'sportswashing'
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Female tennis players accused of complicity in Saudi Arabia 'sportswashing'

ABC  

As the world's best female tennis players take to the court in Riyadh for the "crown jewel" event of the year, a young fitness instructor languishes in a Saudi prison. "I see that tennis players and those promoting Saudi Arabia are not contributing to change by their participation," Ms al-Otaibi said. But fellow former champions Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova …

Tim Henman hits out as embarrassing crowd of 400 watch women’s finals in Saudi Arabia
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Tim Henman hits out as embarrassing crowd of 400 watch women’s finals in Saudi Arabia

The Telegraph  

Tim Henman has become the latest tennis legend to question the staging of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, although his concerns focused less on sportswashing than the absence of spectators in the stands. Henman – the former British No 1 who now commentates for Sky Sports – was among the frustrated observers as the second day of the WTA …

Aryna Sabalenka has no issues playing in Saudi Arabia but Coco Gauff ‘concerned’
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Aryna Sabalenka has no issues playing in Saudi Arabia but Coco Gauff ‘concerned’

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

WTA chief’s awkward backtrack after defending Saudi Arabia visit
1 month, 3 weeks ago

WTA chief’s awkward backtrack after defending Saudi Arabia visit

The Telegraph  

Portia Archer, the new chief executive of the WTA Tour, was forced to backtrack awkwardly as she attempted to defend the staging of this weekend’s Finals event in Saudi Arabia. While WTA founder Billie Jean King has backed the move, saying “I don’t think you really change unless you engage”, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert penned a critical joint letter …

Coco Gauff looks for Saudi Arabia progress at WTA Finals; ‘probably wouldn’t come back’ without it
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Coco Gauff looks for Saudi Arabia progress at WTA Finals; ‘probably wouldn’t come back’ without it

New York Times  

RIYADH — Coco Gauff has said that she “probably wouldn’t come back” to Saudi Arabia for tennis events if she feels that change is not happening in the country. I think sports for me, I would say is the easiest way to kind of introduce that.” Pegula said: “Even though I know it’s not perfect for everyone involved, I think …

Novak Djokovic’s players’ association readies legal fight to reshape tennis calendar
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Novak Djokovic’s players’ association readies legal fight to reshape tennis calendar

The Telegraph  

The players’ association founded by Novak Djokovic is weighing up a programme of legal challenges that could reshape the world game. The Professional Tennis Players’ Association has hired “multiple global law firms” to carry out what its chief executive calls “a full, top-to-bottom physical of the entire structure of tennis”. Already this season, we have seen proposals for a streamlined …

Saudi Arabia pushes equal pay at launch of women’s tennis finals
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia pushes equal pay at launch of women’s tennis finals

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it wanted to “send a strong message” about equal pay in men’s and women’s tennis when it hosts the women’s tour finals in November. Nevertheless, the Women’s Tennis Association announced in April that Riyadh would host the next three editions of the tour finals, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams. “I think …

WTA signs multi-year partnership with Saudi PIF
7 months ago

WTA signs multi-year partnership with Saudi PIF

The Hindu  

The Saudi Public Investment Fund will become the first-ever naming partner of the WTA’s rankings, the two organisations announced on Monday, as part of a multi-year partnership. The announcement marks the PIF’s latest foray into tennis, after the men’s ATP tour also signed a multi-year “strategic partnership” earlier this year. Outgoing CEO Steve Simon said last year that Saudi Arabia …

Martina Navratilova: WTA in Saudi is one step from going to North Korea
8 months ago

Martina Navratilova: WTA in Saudi is one step from going to North Korea

The Telegraph  

Martina Navratilova has strongly criticised the WTA’s move to Saudi Arabia, saying it is one step away from being as bad as “going to North Korea”. Earlier this month the WTA announced Saudi Arabia would host its tour-end Finals for the next three years, beginning this November with a record-breaking £12 million prize money on offer. “We’re going to Saudi …

Saudi Arabia will host the women's tennis WTA Finals for the next three years
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia will host the women's tennis WTA Finals for the next three years

Hindustan Times  

Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday by the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023. “We’re going into this eyes wide open that the investment in sport by Saudi certainly provokes strong views …

Saudi Arabia will host the women’s tennis WTA Finals for the next three years
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia will host the women’s tennis WTA Finals for the next three years

Associated Press  

Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday by the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023. “We’re going into this eyes wide open that the investment in sport by Saudi certainly provokes strong views …

Player power in spotlight as tours ponder major revamp
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Player power in spotlight as tours ponder major revamp

China Daily  

Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia celebrates after defeating Jessica Pegula of the US during their Miami Open quarterfinal in Florida on Wednesday. A proposal for a radical revamp of the elite game was put on the table by the organizers of the Grand Slams in Indian Wells this month while Saudi Arabia, having got its foot in the door through the …

Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the ATP tennis tour have a 5-year sponsorship deal that includes the rankings
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the ATP tennis tour have a 5-year sponsorship deal that includes the rankings

Associated Press  

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the men’s professional tennis tour have agreed to a five-year partnership that includes naming rights for the ATP rankings, the latest move by the kingdom into that sport and others. Pepperstone had ATP chief executive Massimo Calvelli called the new agreement “a major moment for tennis,” and the tour’s announcement touted ways in which …

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to headline new ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to headline new ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and others set for Saudi Arabia exhibition
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and others set for Saudi Arabia exhibition

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and new Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner are slated to participate in an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia in October, the kingdom’s latest move into tennis. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has worked to get himself out of international isolation since the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal …

Ambassador responds to call by Evert and Navratilova to keep women’s tennis out of Saudi Arabia
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Ambassador responds to call by Evert and Navratilova to keep women’s tennis out of Saudi Arabia

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States said Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova relied on “outdated stereotypes and western-centric views of our culture” in urging the women’s tennis tour to avoid holding its season-ending tournament in the kingdom. or punish a society that is eager to embrace tennis and help celebrate and grow the sport.” …

Saudi ambassador ‘disappointed’ over ‘western centric’ criticism of mulled WTA Finals move
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi ambassador ‘disappointed’ over ‘western centric’ criticism of mulled WTA Finals move

The Hindu  

The criticism over moving the Women’s Tennis Association Finals to Saudi Arabia represents stereotypical and western-centric views, Saudi ambassador to the United States Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud has said. “It pained me deeply to read a column in The Washington Post objecting to Saudi Arabia hosting the WTA Finals based on arguments that are outdated stereotypes and western-centric views of …

Saudi fury at criticism from Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi fury at criticism from Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert

The Telegraph  

Saudi Arabia has told Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova to “get their facts straight” amid an escalating row about the nation’s increasing profile in tennis. “As a woman who has dedicated her life to the cause of women, it pained me deeply to read a column in The Washington Post objecting to Saudi Arabia hosting the Women’s Tennis Association Finals …

Evert, Navratilova urge women’s tennis to stay out of Saudi Arabia
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Evert, Navratilova urge women’s tennis to stay out of Saudi Arabia

The Hindu  

Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are calling on the women’s tennis tour to stay out of Saudi Arabia, saying that holding the WTA Finals there “would represent not progress, but significant regression.” “There should be a healthy debate over whether ‘progress’ and ‘engagement’ is really possible,” the two star players, who were on-court rivals decades ago, wrote …

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova urge women’s tennis to stay out of Saudi Arabia
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova urge women’s tennis to stay out of Saudi Arabia

Associated Press  

Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are calling on the women’s tennis tour to stay out of Saudi Arabia, saying that holding the WTA Finals there “would represent not progress, but significant regression.” “There should be a healthy debate over whether ‘progress’ and ‘engagement’ is really possible,” the two star players, who were on-court rivals decades ago, wrote …

Rafael Nadal is going to serve as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation
11 months, 1 week ago

Rafael Nadal is going to serve as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Rafael Nadal will serve as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, part of a recent effort by the kingdom to make inroads into tennis and other sports. Nadal’s new role, announced Monday, includes promoting tennis in Saudi Arabia and plans for a Rafa Nadal Academy there. It signals yet another step into tennis for the …

Swiatek says female tennis players are united as they seek improvements from the WTA
1 year, 1 month ago

Swiatek says female tennis players are united as they seek improvements from the WTA

The Hindu  

Iga Swiatek says she and other women’s tennis players are more united than in the past as they seek changes on the WTA Tour, including improvements to prioritize the athletes’ well-being. “There are some things that the WTA could change for us without any impact on the tournaments and the things that they already agreed with the tournaments.” In a …

Tennis’ top women say the sport is broken. This is why
1 year, 1 month ago

Tennis’ top women say the sport is broken. This is why

New York Times  

For the better part of a decade, Tatjana Maria, the veteran German player, has been cramming into cramped hotel rooms with her husband/coach and children, or using her own money to pay for larger ones as she traveled the world with her family so she could be a full-time mom and professional tennis player. “These questions have been brewing for …

Swiatek echoes complaints at WTA Finals after Sabalenka calls out ‘another level of disrespect’
1 year, 1 month ago

Swiatek echoes complaints at WTA Finals after Sabalenka calls out ‘another level of disrespect’

The Hindu  

Three-time major title winner Iga Swiatek and reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova joined the chorus of competitors at the WTA Finals, criticising the playing conditions at the season-ending championship for women’s tennis. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka called the conditions at the season-ending championship “another level of disrespect.” The WTA defended the court as meeting its “strict performance standards. That’s not the …

Swiatek echoes complaints at the WTA Finals after Sabalenka calls out ‘another level of disrespect’
1 year, 1 month ago

Swiatek echoes complaints at the WTA Finals after Sabalenka calls out ‘another level of disrespect’

Associated Press  

CANCUN, Mexico — Three-time major title winner Iga Swiatek and reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova joined the chorus of competitors at the WTA Finals criticizing the playing conditions at the season-ending championship for women’s tennis. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka called the conditions at the season-ending championship “another level of disrespect.” The WTA defended the court as meeting its “strict performance standards.” …

WTA facing rebellion from numerous top players over pay and conditions on women’s tour
1 year, 1 month ago

WTA facing rebellion from numerous top players over pay and conditions on women’s tour

New York Times  

If you’d like to follow our new tennis coverage, please Aryna Sabalenka had had enough. Paula Wolecka, a spokesperson for Iga Swiatek, the world No 2, and four-time Grand Slam champion, confirmed Monday that Swiatek had sent her own letter to the WTA leadership, and was part of a “united front here in wishing for a real change.” Swiatek speaks …

The WTA Finals – so much possibility, so many challenges
1 year, 1 month ago

The WTA Finals – so much possibility, so many challenges

New York Times  

If you’d like to follow our new tennis coverage, please At some point the WTA Finals will once again become a fully-formed, signature stop on the professional women’s tennis tour. The champions might even become a bit less random, reverting to the days when Serena Williams was winning this event every year, giving the finals’ reputation additional heft. Though a …

WTA Finals: Maria Sakkari Replaces Injured Karolina Muchova at Season-ending Tournament
1 year, 1 month ago

WTA Finals: Maria Sakkari Replaces Injured Karolina Muchova at Season-ending Tournament

News 18  

French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova pulled out of the WTA Finals on Tuesday because of an injured right wrist and was replaced in the field for the season-ending tournament by Maria Sakkari. Unfortunately, the time needed for the recovery is longer than we would’ve hoped for,” Muchova said, “and therefore I had to make this unpleasant decision.” ICC World Cup: …

Tennis legend Billie Jean King believes WTA will go to Saudi Arabia but expresses concerns about women’s rights
1 year, 2 months ago

Tennis legend Billie Jean King believes WTA will go to Saudi Arabia but expresses concerns about women’s rights

The Hindu  

The women’s tennis tour will inevitably go to Saudi Arabia, American great Billie Jean King said as she urged the WTA to push for social change if they decide to stage a tournament in the Middle Eastern nation. WTA CEO Steve Simon previously said that the Gulf state presented “big issues” as a host for women’s tour events, as Saudi …

WTA Finals 2023 to be held in Mexico's Cancun, Saudi Arabia misses out
1 year, 3 months ago

WTA Finals 2023 to be held in Mexico's Cancun, Saudi Arabia misses out

Firstpost  

Recent reports had said Saudi Arabia was in pole position to land the WTA Finals, which sparked criticism at the US Open from US legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert among others. Cancun will host the WTA Finals October 29-November 5, the WTA announcing Thursday the Mexican resort would stage the season ending tournament after reports that Saudi Arabia was …

Men's and women's tennis tours to discuss game-changing merger
1 year, 3 months ago

Men's and women's tennis tours to discuss game-changing merger

The Telegraph  

Men’s players may be protective over prize money Gaudenzi and Simon called the London summit a few days ago, and still have many hurdles to clear before they can say that any merger is official. As for the ATP, they have discussed Saudi Arabia’s desire to become part of the tennis establishment – and specifically to add a 10th Masters …

Navratilova, Evert against possible WTA Finals Saudi move
1 year, 3 months ago

Navratilova, Evert against possible WTA Finals Saudi move

The Hindu  

Tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have spoken out against the prospect of the WTA Tour staging its end-of-season finals in Saudi Arabia. WTA chief Steve Simon said in June the organization was “evaluating” the possibility of taking a tournament to Saudi Arabia, while describing the subject as “difficult and challenging.” Recent reports have said Saudi Arabia is in …

Saudi Arabia to host Next Gen ATP Finals from 2023 to 2027
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi Arabia to host Next Gen ATP Finals from 2023 to 2027

The Hindu  

The season-ending Next Gen Finals for men’s under-21 tennis players will be held in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah from 2023 to 2027 as the ATP makes its first competitive foray into the Gulf state, the men’s governing body said on Thursday. EXHIBITION TOURNAMENT Although other Gulf countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have hosted ATP tournaments …

Saudi money could be headed to tennis next. Is it about sportswashing, women’s rights or both?
1 year, 5 months ago

Saudi money could be headed to tennis next. Is it about sportswashing, women’s rights or both?

Associated Press  

WIMBLEDON, England — Egyptian tennis pro Mayar Sherif does not pretend to be an expert on the subject of Saudi Arabia’s record on women’s rights, other than to say: “I know it’s not the best.” What Sherif, who made her Wimbledon debut this week, did say is she thinks it’s possible positive steps can be made in that area if …

Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA
1 year, 5 months ago

Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA

The Hindu  

Russia’s Daria Kasatkina has expressed reservations about competing in any future WTA tournaments in Saudi Arabia, saying “not everything is about money”, amid reports the Gulf State may be set to plough huge amounts of cash into the sport. Saudi Arabia has made massive investments in football, Formula One, boxing and golf in recent years and ATP Tour chief Andrea …

Wimbledon 2023: Jabeur says now or never for Saudi Arabia to invest in the sport
1 year, 5 months ago

Wimbledon 2023: Jabeur says now or never for Saudi Arabia to invest in the sport

The Hindu  

Tunisia’s world number six Ons Jabeur welcomed reports of Saudi Arabian interest in tennis, saying on Tuesday the time was right for the Gulf country to invest in the sport and she would “100 per cent” compete in WTA tournaments there if it benefited players. WTA chairman Steve Simon said last week there were still “big issues” with Saudi Arabia …

Pegula says potential Saudi deal can help WTA ensure equal prize money
1 year, 5 months ago

Pegula says potential Saudi deal can help WTA ensure equal prize money

The Hindu  

American world number four Jessica Pegula said doing business with Saudi Arabia can help the WTA in its quest to ensure equal prize money but it will carefully evaluate following other sports to the Gulf state. WTA Tour events, however, have often offered less prize money than those on the separate men’s ATP circuit, but the WTA last week announced …

WTA evaluating ‘challenging’ issue of tennis in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 5 months ago

WTA evaluating ‘challenging’ issue of tennis in Saudi Arabia

The Hindu  

Women’s Tennis Association chief executive Steve Simon says his organisation are evaluating the “challenging topic” of taking the sport to Saudi Arabia. Simon is well aware striking a deal with Saudi Arabia would be controversial given the region’s human rights issues and treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. I think everybody’s evaluating what this means and how do you how do …

From fighting for equal pay to advocating queer rights, women’s tennis has always been a step ahead of other sports
1 year, 6 months ago

From fighting for equal pay to advocating queer rights, women’s tennis has always been a step ahead of other sports

The Hindu  

For long, a woman’s worth in sports was a function of whether she could match a man or be better than him. The four Grand Slams — the crown jewels of the sport — pay men and women equally, and in December 2022, the Forbes list of highest-earning women athletes featured seven tennis players in the top 10, with Naomi …

Saudi Arabia poised to host Next Gen ATP Finals
1 year, 7 months ago

Saudi Arabia poised to host Next Gen ATP Finals

The Telegraph  

Saudi Arabia is closing in on its first official tour event, with the port city of Jeddah emerging as the frontrunner in the bidding for December’s Next Gen ATP Finals. While there may be political and cultural sensitivities to playing in Jeddah – as well as some doubts as to whether the Next Gen Finals will draw crowds in a …

WTA Dubai Duty Free championship | Sania Mirza ends career with first round defeat
1 year, 10 months ago

WTA Dubai Duty Free championship | Sania Mirza ends career with first round defeat

The Hindu  

A fairytale ending was not there but Sania Mirza bows out of international tennis after achieving unprecedented success and setting high benchmark for the next generation. Sania and her American partner Madison Keys lost 4-6 0-6 to the formidable Russian pair of Vernokia Kudermetova and Liudmila Samsonova in exactly one hour at the WTA Dubai event. Now settled in Dubai, …

Victoria Azarenka calls for fitting venue for WTA Finals
1 year, 10 months ago

Victoria Azarenka calls for fitting venue for WTA Finals

Firstpost  

The WTA Finals in Fort Worth last year witnessed sparse crowds and were only announced late September — less than two months before the event. Dubai: Victoria Azarenka said Monday that she hopes the WTA Finals will find a “deserving” home, after a couple of years of instability after the women’s tennis organisation suspended all Chinese tournaments. The WTA Finals …

WTA launches program in bid to increase female coaches
2 years, 1 month ago

WTA launches program in bid to increase female coaches

The Hindu  

The WTA has launched a program to aid the progress of female coaches into professional tennis and promote “career pathways for women.” None of the current top 10 players in the women’s rankings employ the services of a female coach. The WTA’s program, which was announced on Thursday, aims to promote professional and grassroots coaching as a viable career choice …

WTA Finals 2022: Ons Jabeur rallies past Jessica Pegula, Maria Sakkari into semi-finals
2 years, 1 month ago

WTA Finals 2022: Ons Jabeur rallies past Jessica Pegula, Maria Sakkari into semi-finals

Firstpost  

Jabeur rallied for a three-set victory over Pegula, keeping alive the US Open finalist’s hopes of advancing out of WTA Finals group play Fort Worth, Texas: Ons Jabeur wasn’t used to the idea of playing so soon after a loss in her WTA Finals debut. “It was tough because I’m used to just be depressed for the next two days …

Protecting young players from abuse must be a priority, Azarenka says
2 years, 3 months ago

Protecting young players from abuse must be a priority, Azarenka says

Hindustan Times  

Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, serves to Petra Martic, of Croatia, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in New York. Sexual abuse of young female players by older male coaches happens "right and left" on the WTA Tour and safeguarding against it must be a priority, Victoria Azarenka said at the U.S. Open …

At Wimbledon, Jabeur 1st woman from Africa in pro Slam final
2 years, 5 months ago

At Wimbledon, Jabeur 1st woman from Africa in pro Slam final

Associated Press  

WIMBLEDON, England — Ons Jabeur’s steady progress from year to year — up the tennis rankings, through the draws of various tournaments and, now, at Wimbledon — has carried her to a Grand Slam singles final, the first African woman and Arab woman to make it that far in the professional era. “I already did a lot,” Rybakina said, “and …

Ons Jabeur makes more history for Arab women at Wimbledon
2 years, 5 months ago

Ons Jabeur makes more history for Arab women at Wimbledon

Associated Press  

WIMBLEDON, England — To the many “firsts” filling Ons Jabeur’s résumé, add a new one: First Arab woman to reach the semifinals at a Grand Slam tournament. The third-seeded Tunisian improved on last year’s quarterfinal run at Wimbledon by doing one better on Tuesday at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament. I was more aggressive in the second set, and especially …

Discover Related