“The fact that this has to be asked for permission in 2024”: Fans react to WTA’s clarification on Saudi Arabia allowing LGBT couples for WTA Finals

The announcement by the WTA that Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be the host of the year-end championships for 2024, 2025, and 2026 has caused a stir among the tennis community. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on LGBTQ players who may qualify for the Finals.

The Sharia law strictly prohibits homosexuality in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, there were understandable concerns about the safety of LGBTQ players who may qualify for the 2024 WTA Finals.

In order to alleviate these worries, Marina Storti, the CEO of WTA Ventures, informed Telegraph Sport that the Saudi Tennis Federation had given assurance that individuals of all religions and sexual orientations would be accepted in the country.

“We have been assured that everybody will be welcome in Saudi Arabia, regardless of sexual orientation or religion. If there are same-sex couples travelling to Riyadh and they want to share rooms in the hotel, that will be accommodated,”Storti said.

Despite the WTA’s response to the concerns raised by tennis fans about Saudi Arabia, they were left unimpressed and viewed Storti’s statement as evidence of the organization’s error in choosing the host for the Finals.

One user posted on X (previously known as Twitter):

“The fact that this has to be asked for permission in 2024… like, can’t even”

Another fan made a post:

“Wow, the Saudis have allowed adults to share a room with whomever they want. This is so cool, such a humane and progressive step”

“The fact that this needs clarified demonstrates what a terrible decision this is by @wta,”another fan commented.

There were concerns raised by certain fans regarding the safety of LGBTQ individuals who attend the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. It was questioned whether the protection granted to queer players also applies outside of their hotel accommodations.

“Caveat: As long as they’re a world class tennis player. I suspect any fans who go will be treated differently,”a fan tweeted.

“They can say what they like, but most same sex couples just wouldn’t feel safe in a country like Saudi Arabia. What happens when you leave your hotel, will they guarantee your safety outside as well?”a fan asked.

“Yeah sure. . . what could go wrong?”questioned another fan.

Some supporters also pushed for the implementation of the same safeguards provided to LGBTQ players to be extended to individuals from these communities residing in Saudi Arabia.

A fan wrote on X, “So if openly LGBT athletes and their same-sex partners can visit saudi and stay in the same room without fear of repercussions, why isn’t the same opportunity given to those living there?”

“What about same-sex couples that are Saudi citizens?? What for them?”another fan stated.

Future Stars: Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina Lead Race to WTA Finals 2024

Currently leading the race to the 2024 WTA Finals ahead of the tour’s clay swing is Iga Swiatek, the World No. 1. The Polish player successfully defended her title at the Qatar Open in Doha and emerged victorious at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Additionally, the 22-year-old reached the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Thanks to her victories at the Brisbane International and the Abu Dhabi Open, Elena Rybakina holds the No. 2 spot in the race. She also made it to the final of the Qatar Open and the Miami Open. Current Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka and runner-up Zheng Qinwen occupy the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, respectively.

Coco Gauff, Jelena Ostapenko, Danielle Collins, and Jasmine Paolini currently hold the remaining positions in the race to the Finals, which is scheduled to take place from November 3 to 10.