In a pre-WTA Finals press conference, Aryna Sabalenka gave an explanation of why she has no concerns about the WTA Finals being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Preparations for this year’s WTA Finals have gone considerably more smoothly compared to the 2023 edition in Cancun, Mexico. Twelve months ago, players faced the absurd prospect of the stadium not being finished, but it was finished at the last minute.
In contrast, the 2024 WTA Finals are being held in an amazing stadium that is appropriate for such a major competition, and the Belarusian’s first match against Qinwen Zheng was a fantastic spectacle.
Some argue that one of the most significant WTA events on the calendar shouldn’t be held in Saudi Arabia because of the many human rights violations against women and the LGBTQ community that have occurred there.
The winner of the US Open this year attracted more attention after being questioned about competing in Saudi Arabia. Sabalenka cited her experience playing against Ons Jabeur in an exhibition match to say she had no personal problems.
She talked about it and said: “The effort they put into women’s sport here is incredible. I’m really impressed. I’m really happy to be here and to be part of I would say some sort of history here.”
She added: “I would say this country put huge effort into bringing sports events here. Overall I would say improving the quality of women’s lives here. I’m really happy we’re part of it. I think that it’s really great that we are here and we inspiring the young generation here. I mean, we are safe. We’re having a great time. It’s a beautiful city. Yeah, that’s basically my message.”
Sabalenka on playing in Saudi
“I’ve been here in an exhibition match with Ons & I saw that everything is quite chill. Me personally, I don’t have any issues playing here. I think it’s important to bring tennis all around the world & to inspire young generations.”
🎥: WTA, DAZN pic.twitter.com/aPoMflFhbe
— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) November 3, 2024
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
WWWWWWLWWW At the moment ranked no.1, Sabalenka played her last match on the 2nd of November when she overcame world no.7 Qinwen Zheng 6-3 6-4 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).
Until now, during this year Aryna has achieved a compiled 55-12 record. Sabalenka conquered 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. The Belarussian was the finalist in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will come up against the world no.450 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their actual record is 3-2 for Kvitova.
Sabalenka conquered 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Sabalenka reached the final in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Aryna won 17 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
WWWWWWLWWW Now the world no.1, Aryna played her last match on the 2nd of November when she defeated world no.7 Qinwen Zheng 6-3 6-4 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).
Presently, during this year Sabalenka owns an overall 55-12 record. Aryna conquered 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. Sabalenka was the runner-up in Brisbane, Madrid and Rome.
Aryna Sabalenka will face the world no.450 Petra Kvitova in the final on Saturday at 6:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their actual head to head record is 3-2 for Kvitova.
Sabalenka conquered 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Wuhan. The Belarussian was the runner-up in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Aryna won 17 titles in her career: 13 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
