Riyadh to be the Host City for WTA Finals for Three Years
St. Petersburg, April 4 (IANS) Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has been announced as the host city for the next three editions of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals from 2024 to 2026. The Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) signed a new agreement with the WTA, with the event set to have a record prize money of $15.25m. The WTA Finals will feature the top-eight singles players and doubles teams of the year, scheduled between November 2-9 for the year 2024.
The decision to choose Riyadh came after a thorough evaluation process by the WTA, which involved assessing multiple bids from various regions. The selected host city has met a set of standards focusing on delivering a top-notch event for participants and spectators, as well as demonstrating support for increasing prize money significantly. The partnership aims to promote the growth and expansion of women’s tennis globally, with strategic investments in marketing, digital, and fan interaction expenditures.
Steve Simon, WTA chairman and CEO, expressed excitement about bringing the WTA Finals to Riyadh and highlighted the commitment shown by the Saudi Tennis Federation to grow the sport at all levels. The move is seen as a positive step for the long-term growth of women’s tennis as a global and inclusive sport. Previous exhibition events in Saudi Arabia, like the Diriyah Tennis Cup and Riyadh Season Tennis Cup, have paved the way for hosting major tennis tournaments in the region.
Arij Mutabagani, president of STF and the first elected female president of any Saudi Arabian sports federation, emphasized the significance of hosting the WTA Finals in Riyadh for the future of tennis in Saudi Arabia. The aim is to inspire young girls and celebrate women’s tennis, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in the sport. The event is expected to further accelerate the transformation and growth of tennis in the country, supporting the overall progress made across society, particularly in women’s participation in sports.
The announcement of Riyadh as the host city for the WTA Finals for the next three years marks a significant milestone for women’s tennis in Saudi Arabia. The increased prize money and strategic partnerships are expected to elevate the status of the event and attract top players from around the world. The collaboration between the WTA and the Saudi Tennis Federation underscores a shared commitment to advancing women’s tennis and promoting gender equality in sports.
