British number one Cameron Norrie will compete at the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia in December.
The Wimbledon semi-finalist was accused of ‘taking part in a jamboree of Saudi sportswashing‘ by Amnesty International. The organisation is one of the biggest human rights movements in the world.
Norrie joins fellow top 20 players Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in taking part in the controversial exhibition. Major champions Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem will also compete.
The tournament takes place on the 8th of December, and offers total prize money of three million dollars. Saudi Arabia’s record on human rights is under huge scrutiny. The Arab country has been criticized for using high-profile events to sportwash its reputation.
Felix Jakens, head of campaigns at Amnesty International UK, said ‘what Saudi Arabia appears to look for with these competitions is a smiling high-profile sports star who will studiously avoid talking about human rights – Cameron should speak out.‘
Norrie is not the only British tennis player to have been invited to take part in this event. Former world number one Andy Murray turned down the opportunity to participate three years ago.
Boxing, Formula 1 and golf have all been criticised for holding events in the country in recent years. In particular, the LIV Golf series has stirred up much debate this year. Some of the best golfers in the world moved to the new tour including reigning Open champion Cameron Smith.
Tournament organizers quoted Norrie, saying ‘it will be a memorable tournament at a unique location and a great experience to come to Saudi Arabia.’
