Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, is taking a stand in Saudi Arabia. The young tennis star is participating in the WTA Finals in Riyadh, a move that has sparked controversy due to the country’s well-documented human rights concerns. While Gauff acknowledges her own reservations, she’s optimistic about the potential for positive change.
Gauff believes that the presence of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, the first professional women’s tennis event ever held in the country, could be a catalyst for progress. “I do think sport can have a way to open doors to people,” she shared. The WTA has committed to supporting the “Future Stars” program in Saudi Arabia over the next three years, aiming to introduce more Saudi women to tennis. The goal is ambitious: to have a million people playing tennis in the country by 2030.
“Hopefully with that, people see us and see what we represent, and hopefully that will enact more equality,” Gauff said, expressing her hope that the event will spark a shift in perspectives and inspire greater equality.
However, Gauff is not naive to the challenges. She openly admitted, “I would be lying to you if I said I had no reservations.” She has been vocal about her concerns, engaging in discussions with fellow players and the WTA. “If we come here, we can’t just come here and play our tournament and leave. We have to have a real program, a real plan in place,” she emphasized.
Gauff has also been directly involved in conversations with Saudi women, including Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, the first female Saudi ambassador to the US. She has raised critical issues like LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights, seeking tangible solutions.
Despite her commitment to driving positive change, Gauff remains vigilant. “If I felt uncomfortable or it felt like nothing’s happening then maybe I probably wouldn’t come back,” she warned, underscoring her determination to see real progress.
Gauff’s participation in the WTA Finals, coupled with her vocal advocacy for change, highlights the complex relationship between sports and social justice. It remains to be seen whether the event will truly serve as a platform for positive change in Saudi Arabia, but Gauff’s unwavering commitment to using her platform for good is a powerful force. She will kick off her WTA Finals campaign against Jessica Pegula on Sunday.
