Garbine Muguruza will return to tennis later this year but in a different role after being named the new tournament director of the WTA Finals.
The former world No.1 will be in charge of what will be the most prestigious Tour-level event to take place in Saudi Arabia after the country secured a three-year contract to host the tournament. Muguruza, who is a former WTA Finals champion back in 2021, announced her retirement from the sport earlier this year after taking a lengthy break from competitive action.
Under the new agreement, Muguruza will work alongside the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) and the Ministry of Sport. She will oversee the ‘strategic planning’ of the event. She will also help promote the profile of tennis and healthy lifestyles to young people across the Middle East. The STF has set out an ambitious goal of trying to inspire 1 million people into tennis by 2030.
“I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to the future of this great sport as Tournament Director of the WTA Finals Riyadh,” Muguruza said in a press release. “I know how special this event is for our top players, and I’ve also seen its potential to inspire communities all over the world. I’m excited to work with a great team to present a showcase for women’s tennis that not only grows tennis but encourages all fans, and especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams.”
The decision to move the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia has generated a mixed response. Critics accuse the country of using sport to improve its image which has been marred by human rights concerns. Something that is known as sportwashing. However. others argue that human rights are improving in the country and the deal opens the door for those in the Middle East to get involved in the sport.
“Garbiñe is a global role model who understands the power of sport to make a difference to people from all walks of life,” said Steve Simon, Chairman and CEO of the WTA. “I know she will have the best interests of our players at heart, while remaining dedicated to the wider goals of participation and inclusivity — values on which the WTA was founded. She is a true champion, on and off court, and the perfect candidate for this critical role in what we believe will be a thrilling WTA Finals.”
The WTA Finals will feature the eight highest-ranked players participating in a round-robin format with the top two players of each group progressing to the knockout stages. This year’s event will be held between November 2-9.
