Coco Gauff advocates for human rights in Saudi Arabia

The complex issue of sports washing has crept into almost every professional sport. Leagues and players are often torn between money, politics, diplomacy and ethical gray areas.

Perhaps no country has used sport to enhance its reputation on the world stage more than Saudi Arabia. The country has just accepted Six kings helmeta non-ATP exhibition that featured the top male players with a $6.5 million prize plus a $1.5 million appearance fee.

Many tennis players have addressed this issue and with something of a humility to say that Saudi Arabia will eventually get the Masters 1000. The WTA Finals kick off tomorrow in Riyadh, and players are being asked tough questions about the country’s human rights issues.

WTA world number three Coco Gauff has received praise from fans for her thoughtful and measured response to the question. The reporter asked the 20-year-old “about the political challenges of coming to Saudi Arabia, its gender equality record, LGBTQ+ issues.”

Gauff said: “Obviously I am very aware of the situation here in Saudi Arabia. I mean, I think sports can open doors for people. I think in order to kind of want change. , you should see this. I think for me, sports is, I would say, the easiest way to present it.”

Gauff continued: “I know they’ve started to bring more men’s sports here. I know for golf and tennis, I think this is one of the first, this is the first professional women’s tennis event to be held here. I hope the WTA will come here and they have promised over the next three years to help the future stars program here in Saudi Arabia to attract more Saudi women, especially into sports.”

Gauff added: “I think their goal is to have a million people playing tennis here by 2030. Hopefully through this people will be able to see us and what we represent and hopefully it will bring more equality. it will never end like this. To want change, you have to see it.”

However, the exchange was far from complete. The reporter asked: “With your fans in mind, I was just wondering if you personally had any doubts or concerns about coming here given the situation with human rights, especially women’s rights, as well as the LGBT+ community?”

Gauff answered directly: “No, I would be lying to you if I said that I don’t have any doubts. Obviously you know who I am and what I’m talking about. I attended almost every player call I could make with the WTA. One Regarding what I said, if we come here, we can’t just come here, play our tournament and leave. Like, we must have a real program or a real plan.”

Gauff explained that she wanted to do her homework: “We talked to a lot of women here in Saudi Arabia. One of them was Princess Rome. I think that was important to me and that was one of the issues that I brought up because it was about LGBTQ issues, women’s rights issues, how we can help with that.”

Gauff concluded her speech on this issue: “I also understand very well that we are not going to come here and just change everything. It would be very nuanced. But this is a conversation about nuances. past from my grandmother, merging her school, people won’t like it, but obviously in the long run, I think it could be better for everyone.”

Gauff has a 48-15 record and two singles titles this year. She is in the Orange group for the WTA Finals and will face world No. 6 Jessica Pegula on Sunday, November 3 at 8:45 a.m. EST. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated for more coverage. Submit to SI all the most important news from sports.