The 2024 WTA Finals commenced this past weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a milestone for women’s tennis as the first major tournament hosted by the kingdom. While the event signifies a bold step in expanding the reach of tennis, its debut has been met with both praise and criticism, reflecting the complexities of the sports landscape in Saudi Arabia.
A New Chapter for Women’s Tennis
The WTA Finals, showcasing the top eight female singles players and doubles teams, brought elite tennis to Saudi Arabia for the first time. Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, who secured Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and the US Open, led the impressive lineup. With four titles and a 54-12 win-loss record this year, Sabalenka has been the standout player of 2024. The Belarusian powerhouse is seeking to cap off her phenomenal season by capturing her first WTA Finals title after finishing as runner-up in 2022. “The effort they put into women’s sport here is incredible. I’m really impressed. I’m happy to be part of this historic moment,” Sabalenka said about the event.
The lineup also featured other formidable contenders, including French Open champion Iga Swiatek and rising star Zheng Qinwen. Swiatek, who claimed five titles this year, is aiming to defend her 2023 championship title and become the first back-to-back winner in a decade.
The Atmosphere: A Tale of Two Days
Opening day on Saturday attracted thousands of fans, with Chinese supporters energetically backing Zheng during her spirited match against Sabalenka. Despite her loss, Zheng’s positivity shone through as she engaged in lighthearted moments with her team, even singing Taylor Swift’s Blank Space to keep morale high.
However, Sunday told a different story. With the start of the workweek in Saudi Arabia, attendance dropped dramatically, leaving the 5,000-seat arena mostly vacant, an issue acknowledged by the WTA. Coco Gauff, who triumphed over Jessica Pegula in a straightforward match, highlighted that building a loyal following for women’s sports in new markets takes time. “It’s growing pains,” she said, likening the situation to the early days of the WNBA in the U.S.
Mixed Reactions from Players and Observers
The decision to host the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia has sparked conversations about the implications for women’s sports. Some, like Gauff, expressed initial reservations due to the country’s policies affecting women’s rights and the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, she noted that engaging with new markets is essential for fostering change. “To ignite change, you have to start little by little,” Gauff remarked.
WTA CEO Portia Archer defended the move, saying, “We often play in environments with different customs and values than our own. What’s important is the growth of the sport.”
Critics, however, have voiced concerns. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova called the decision a “step backward,” framing it within the context of ‘sportswashing’—using sports events to rehabilitate a nation’s image. These discussions underline the challenge of balancing progressive growth with ethical considerations in global sports.
The Competitive Stakes
On the court, fierce competition defined the first days. Iga Swiatek, determined to defend her title and potentially achieve the rare feat of back-to-back victories, survived a tough match against Barbora Krejcikova. Swiatek credited her Polish supporters for boosting her spirits, while Krejcikova’s participation reminded fans of the unpredictable nature of the WTA Finals.
Meanwhile, the ATP ‘Race to Turin’ wrapped up with Novak Djokovic’s status as the main highlight. In Metz, Ugo Humbert’s exuberant celebrations after defeating Karen Khachanov stirred some controversy, with Khachanov accusing Humbert of unsportsmanlike conduct. “Jumping and screaming every point? You think it’s okay?” Khachanov said post-match.
How to Watch the 2024 WTA Finals
Fans eager to catch the 2024 WTA Finals can tune in via free live streaming on TVNZ+ in New Zealand. If you’re outside New Zealand, using a VPN can help access the stream by connecting to a secure server in the country. This allows viewers worldwide to enjoy every match, from the round-robin stages to the nail-biting knockout rounds. For those unable to use VPNs, major sports networks and online streaming platforms with WTA broadcasting rights also provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament.