The president of the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) says she respects Martina Navratilova’s and Chris Evert’s criticism of sporting events being held in her country but argues that change is happening.
Arij Mutabagani has praised the tennis duo as her ‘idols’ growing up and believes the change they made to women’s tennis during their careers can also occur in Saudi Arabia. The Middle Eastern nation has publically expressed its interest in staging tennis events and is reported to be a key contender in staging this year’s WTA Finals. However, some accuse the country of using sport to improve its image which has been tarnished by Human Rights concerns, including the rights of women.
In an opinion piece for the Washington Post, Evert and Navratilova presented their argument for tennis to stay away from Saudi Arabia. Saying that such a move would prove to be a “significant step backward to the detriment not just of women’s sport, but women”. Following their remarks, they were accused of using ‘outdated stereotypes’ by Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud who is the Saudi ambassador to America. Princess Reema posted a two-page statement in response to the criticism.
“I actually grew up playing tennis and having Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova as my idols. I was really looking up to them,” Mutabagani told Arab News’ Frankly Speaking podcast.
“They’ve done so much for tennis and for female participation and gender equality and getting equal prize money. And I respect their thoughts. I respect that everyone is free to say and comment.
“But I would really like to invite them to come to Saudi Arabia and really see the progress that we are doing. We are in a phase of change. We are trying to change.”
Mutabagani claims Saudi Arabia has 330,000 women registered in sports with 14,000 of them being tennis players. She adds that the number of tennis tournaments for women has increased from three to 20.
“I would like to invite them (Evert and Navratilova) to come to Saudi Arabia and be part of this journey in changing and transforming tennis, and especially female participation. I think we will learn a lot from them and they would just have to come and see for themselves.” She added.
Similar to Princess Reema’s recent statement, Mutabagani did not comment on the issue of LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia. A concern which was also raised in the Washington Post article. Same-sex relationships are not codified under Saudi law. However, Saudi Arabia draws their legal framework from Sharia (Islamic law) which forbids homosexuality.
Last November Saudi Arabia held their first ATP event, the Next Gen Finals. Then during the off-season, they held a duo of exhibition matches that featured Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz and Ons Jabeur taking on Aryna Sabalenka.
Their next event will be in October with the 6 Kings Slam, featuring Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal is also an ambassador for the STF.
