Daria Kasatkina Given “Guarantees” About Safety for WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

Daria Kasatkina, a prominent figure on the WTA Tour, has made headlines by expressing her confidence in her safety as an openly gay player should she compete in Saudi Arabia for the season-ending WTA Finals in November. The 26-year-old, currently ranked number 11 in the world, has been given assurances that she will be protected while participating in the prestigious event.

This statement comes after Kasatkina initially voiced concerns about the Finals being held in Saudi Arabia due to various issues surrounding the country. However, after her victory at the Madrid Open, she highlighted the positive impact of bringing the tour’s flagship event to Riyadh on a three-year deal.

The Saudi Tennis Federation president, Arij Almutabagani, emphasized that gay players would not need to alter their behavior in Saudi Arabia compared to other countries where WTA tournaments are already held. She stated that every country has its own rules and traditions, and players should respect and abide by them.

WTA chief executive Steve Simon ensured that representatives of the LGBTQ+ community were involved in fact-finding trips to Saudi Arabia before finalizing the deal for the WTA Finals. Tunisian player Ons Jabeur also showed her support for the event, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for younger women to see their role models and believe in their potential.

As the tennis world prepares for the season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh, the conversation around LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity in sports continues to evolve. Kasatkina’s willingness to compete in Saudi Arabia sends a powerful message of acceptance and progress within the tennis community.