Martina Navratilova to skip WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia amid controversy

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has made it clear that she will not be attending the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia as a pundit, following the decision to take the prestigious event to the Middle East for the next three years. The 18-time Grand Slam winner has been vocal about her opposition to the move, along with fellow tennis great Chris Evert.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, Navratilova stated, “I’m not planning on that.” She emphasized that while she and Evert have expressed their views on the matter, ultimately the decision lies with the players who will be competing in the tournament.

The tennis icon highlighted the political implications of holding the event in Saudi Arabia, noting that sports and politics are inherently intertwined. She expressed concerns about the involvement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the decision-making process, questioning the impact of hosting a major sporting event in the country.

Despite her reservations, Navratilova acknowledged that the players have the final say and must honor their commitments to participate in the WTA Finals. She reflected on the potential for sport to drive social change but also recognized the complexities of navigating political landscapes.

As the tennis world prepares for the upcoming WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, Navratilova’s decision to abstain from the event as a pundit underscores the ongoing debate surrounding sports, politics, and human rights. The 25th Laureus World Sports Awards will provide a platform for further discussions on these important issues.