The Women’s Tennis Association Finals in Riyadh
The stadium was alive with energy, illuminated by vibrant purple lights, as a pulsating countdown reverberated through the air. This was a significant moment in Saudi Arabia’s bold foray into the global sports arena, a journey that has seen the nation embrace soccer, golf, boxing, car racing, and now tennis. The prestigious Women’s Tennis Association Finals had arrived in Riyadh.
On this remarkable evening, the capital of a conservative, authoritarian kingdom, where the journey towards women’s rights has been a series of starts and stops, was set to host one of the premier events in women’s tennis history. As the announcer proclaimed, “Change the game,” the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The crowd erupted in cheers as the singles finalists, Coco Gauff from the United States and Zheng Qinwen from China, made their way onto the court, greeted by a sea of enthusiastic spectators, including many Saudi women. “Redefine power,” the announcer urged, encapsulating the moment’s significance.
In another context, such statements might seem like typical rallying cries for women’s empowerment in sports. Yet, in Saudi Arabia, this night represented a pivotal shift in the dynamics of power within women’s tennis and beyond. For years, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader, has leveraged the kingdom’s vast oil wealth to transform Saudi Arabia from a traditionally conservative society into a vibrant global player, blending substantial social reforms with a backdrop of increasing repression.
Sports have become a cornerstone of the crown prince’s ambitious vision. The kingdom made headlines by injecting a staggering $2 billion into a rival to the PGA Tour, dramatically reshaping the landscape of professional golf. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia made its presence felt in international soccer by acquiring the English Premier League team Newcastle United, attracting some of the sport’s biggest stars to the Saudi Pro League, and securing the right to host the 2034 World Cup. This strategic investment in sports not only elevates the kingdom’s global profile but also aims to redefine its cultural narrative.
