Any gay player who travels to compete in Saudi Arabia will be safe to play, according to the WTA Tour’s highest-ranked openly LGBT player.
Daria Kasatkina has told BBC Sport that she has been given ‘assurances’ that those who identify as LGBT will not face any problems. Saudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing amid concerns about their human rights record. Those in the country argue that improvements have been made, especially concerning women’s rights. However, it is more complicated when it comes to the topic of homosexuality.
Same-sex relationships are not codified under Saudi law. However, they draw their legal framework from Sharia (Islamic law) which forbids homosexuality. The British Foreign Office says legal action against LGBT travellers is ‘uncommon‘ but same-sex couples are advised to ‘be aware of local customs and avoid showing affection in public.” There is no independent data or records regarding the levels of prosecution of those who are LGBT and living in Saudi Arabia.
“I’ve been given guarantees that I’m going to be fine,” said Kasatkina.
The topic of gay rights in Saudi Arabia and tennis comes ahead of the WTA Finals being held in the country for the first time. Only the top eight players will secure a place in the tournament. Currently, Kasatkina is in 11th place but is just over 200 points outside of the eighth spot.
“If I qualify, it means that I am top eight in the world – it’s great news for me,” she said.
“We see that the Saudis now are very into the sport, they want to develop the sport. And as long as it gives the opportunity to the people there, and the young kids and the women to actually see the sport – so that they can watch it, they can play it, they can participate in this, I think it’s great.”
Kadatkina is not the only openly gay player to have such views when it comes to tennis in Saudi Arabia. Last year Belgium’s Greet Minnen told Ubitennis she was confident that the WTA will ensure that there is a safe environment for LGBT players.
“All the LGBT+ players are wise enough to not provoke anything or hold hands when we are not at the (tennis) club,” she said.
“I think we have to respect the culture there but it’s not going to be an issue as the WTA will make sure it is a safe environment for us.
“If Saudi Arabia is willing to put more tournaments on the calendar, I think it is very good.”
Whilst there are a series of out-payers currently playing on the women’s Tour, there is currently none in the men’s game.
The WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia will take place later this year in November.