WTA Finals in Riyadh should be the ‘most prestigious’ event, says tournament director Muguruza

WTA Finals tournament director, Garbine Muguruza (fifth left) with head of the Saudi Tennis Federation Arij Mutabagani (sixth left) during a tennis clinic in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 October 2024
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WTA Finals in Riyadh should be the ‘most prestigious’ event, says tournament director Muguruza

  • ‘We could make an impact that lasts beyond the event itself, to leave a legacy for many years to come,’ said Marina Storti, CEO of the WTA’s commercial arm

There is a famous viral video of an eight-year-old Coco Gauff dancing to Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” in the stands of center court at the US Open during Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.

From that same 2012 edition of the tournament, there are images of the young Gauff watching Venus Williams play her first round match. She is seen sitting right behind Williams’ bench.

Eleven years later, Gauff stood in the middle of Arthur Ashe Stadium and lifted the US Open trophy, becoming a Grand Slam champion at the age of 19.

Just as she was inspired by Venus and Serena Williams growing up, and got to manifest a dream that started when she was a young fan in the stands at the US Open, Gauff is hoping she and her fellow players can have a similar impact when the WTA Finals roll through Riyadh this November.

“I feel like in order to enact a dream or for a kid to see a dream, they have to see it in person,” Gauff said in New York last month.

“Obviously, you guys all saw that video of me a long time ago here. A lot of the people are hoping that there is a player or a kid that comes out from Saudi and able to say, ‘This WTA Finals changed my outlook,’ or made me realize I had a dream or a possibility in this sport.

“I think that’s what tennis is all about.”

 

 

The prestigious season-ending championships of the WTA Tour will be hosted in Riyadh for three years, with the first edition taking place from November 2-9, 2024 at King Saudi University’s indoor stadium.

The tournament features the best eight singles players and top eight doubles teams on the women’s circuit and will be the biggest professional tennis event to be staged in Saudi Arabia.

Considered the crown jewel of the tour, the WTA Finals has experienced great uncertainty over the past few years, mostly due to the coronavirus pandemic that came after just one staging of the tournament in 2019 in Shenzhen, which was meant to host the event for 10 years.

The three-year partnership between the WTA Finals and the Saudi Tennis Federation has numerous objectives and there are several reasons why Riyadh was chosen as the new host city for the tournament.

“It was really important to us that we were not only bringing the WTA Finals to make the Finals into an amazing event, but also that we could make an impact that lasts beyond the event itself, to leave a legacy for many years to come,” Marina Storti, the CEO of the commercial arm of the WTA, WTA Ventures told Arab News in a recent interview.

“And really, this is part of our strategy of growing women’s tennis as a global sport and really looking to reach new audiences but also inspiring the next generation, helping tennis development and really contributing at the community level.”

The STF has an ambitious goal of inspiring one million people in the Kingdom to take up tennis by 2030.

That aligned well with the WTA’s targets and since June, community programs, spearheaded by Judy Murray, have started taking place in Riyadh.

“What was really good is we sat down with the STF and we were like, ‘okay, we really want something that’s concrete. This needs to have a real impact.’ So we developed a program that is in three pillars: the community tennis and workforce training, which is the bit that Judy is leading for us. The second one is women’s health, and the third piece is youth engagement,” explained Storti.

 

 

Murray was recently joined in Riyadh by WTA Finals tournament director, and former world No.1, Garbine Muguruza, where they visited schools, held community clinics, helped train coaches and teachers, and spent time with members of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association.

The women’s health pillar will involve the WTA bringing their ACEing Cancer campaign to the Kingdom, raising awareness and funds for the cause, while the youth engagement pillar is about “supporting local initiatives as much as bringing in new ideas, and it was recently confirmed that we’re working with the Special Olympics in Saudi Arabia towards holding clinics during the Finals,” Storti added.

Staging the WTA Finals in Riyadh will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the Kingdom, where young fans can get acquainted with the sport throughout the three years and perhaps choose to pick up a racquet themselves.

From a tour perspective, there is a lot riding on the success of these Finals.

After a promising start to what was meant to be a decade-long stay in Shenzhen in 2019, and where champion Ashleigh Barty pocketed a record paycheck of $4.42 million, the WTA Finals moved from one city to another — Guadalajara in 2021, Fort Worth in 2022, Cancun in 2023 — without finding a stable footing.

Prize money dwindled, attendance fluctuated, and the lack of a multi-year deal made it difficult to stage the tournament the way it was meant to be, which is the pinnacle of the WTA Tour.

Now with a three-year deal in place with Saudi Arabia, the prize money is back to where it should be, with organizers committing $15.25 million for the first edition, matching the total sum on offer for the men’s equivalent ATP Finals.

“We are at the beginning of a real transformation of women’s tennis,” said Storti.

“We see huge growth opportunity ahead, we’ve had an amazing 51 years but there’s still so much more to build. So it’s about developing tennis as a global sport, creating more opportunities for women to play at the elite level but also creating new markets and new audiences.

“And the fact that Saudi Arabia is a very rapidly growing market for sport and a country with a really young population that is showing an increasing trust in sport, and showing that real appetite to invest in both the elite level and at the grassroots, we think it’s fantastic to be part of that growth.”

The top players have been vocal about the issues they faced at the tournament in the last two years, sharing their discontent both publicly and behind closed doors with the tour’s top management.

These finals in Saudi Arabia are a great opportunity to restore the players’ trust in the WTA and rediscover the luster of the Tour’s crown jewel.

It is why the main focus for the WTA and the STF for these finals is perfecting the player experience.

“It’s one thing that we are working so hard on. Having Garbine Muguruza as the director for the WTA Finals is testament to how important we see the player experience,” said Storti.  

“She obviously won the tournament and she really cares about the players. She can give us the additional perspective at the leadership level and it shows how much of a priority it is.”

Storti has visited the host venue and says each player will have their own private locker room with its own bathroom and amenities. She said the facilities surrounding the main court will be “premium” and is certain the players will be satisfied. The indoor arena will hold a capacity of 4,200 spectators, which can be extended as the tournament grows in upcoming editions.

“We also want the players to have fun outside of the court. We hope that they’ll enjoy the best of Saudi hospitality, there are some amazing restaurants and spas that we will offer to them and I know they’re getting excited,” added Storti.

Muguruza, who officially retired from tennis earlier this year, won the WTA Finals in 2021 and is keen to bring her own perspective into the mix.

“I think that this relationship with the Ministry of Sport, the federation and the WTA, I think it’s great. I’ve been seeing how much they complement each other and I do believe that it’s going to be a great event,” the Spanish two-time Grand Slam champion told Arab News in a recent interview.

“Or at least I know the objective is to make the finals the most glamorous event, the most prestigious event, because I think the players deserve it.

“I’m trying to bring everything that I would like to see if I am a player. I want the players to feel this way because when I used to play I wanted the crowd to be here and the music and I wanted to feel like I’m part of the show, like I own the show.

“I definitely want to make the players feel so happy that when they leave from Riyadh, they’re going to be like, ‘This was a great experience’. I hope they will want to come back and they will be motivated to play the next years, that’s the ultimate goal.”

As spots in the field are rapidly filling up with players securing qualification in these closing weeks before the finals, many of them are excited about the chance to make an impact on the local community in Saudi Arabia.

American Taylor Townsend locked down her qualification in doubles, alongside her partner Katerina Siniakova, and will be making her WTA Finals debut in Riyadh.

“I think it’s such a huge opportunity to be able to bring women’s sports there but also inspire, just with the nature of the culture, it hasn’t always been very inclusive for women; so to be able to be there and represent, especially as a woman of color, I think it would be fantastic, just on a worldwide stage of representation and just showing how things are evolving in the world,” Townsend, the reigning Wimbledon doubles champion, told Arab News.

“So it would mean a lot to me and for me I’d hold it with the most honor and pride.”


UAE jiu-jitsu team dominates day one in Amman with two golds

UAE team captured two gold, two silver and three bronze medals. supplied
Updated 9 sec ago
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UAE jiu-jitsu team dominates day one in Amman with two golds

  • The team captured two gold, two silver and three bronze medals in the men’s divisions, reaffirming its dominance in one of the continent’s most prestigious jiu-jitsu competitions

Amman: The UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Team began its campaign at the 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship with a strong showing, securing seven medals on the first day of competition at Prince Hamzah Hall in Al-Hussein Youth City, Amman.

The team captured two gold, two silver and three bronze medals in the men’s divisions, reaffirming its dominance in one of the continent’s most prestigious jiu-jitsu competitions.

Theyab Al-Nuaimi (56kg) and Mohamed Ali Al-Suwaidi (69kg) each claimed gold, while Omar Al-Suwaidi (56kg) and Khaled Al-Shehhi (62kg) earned silver. Mehdi Al-Awlaki (77kg), Hazza Al-Qubaisi (85kg) and Faraj Al-Awlaki (94kg) brought home bronze.

Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, congratulated the athletes, citing sustained support from wise leadership as a key factor in their continental success.

“This encouraging start reflects the hard work of our technical and administrative teams, as well as the players’ dedication and discipline,” he said. “It’s a fantastic first step toward our goal of topping the overall rankings. Today’s achievement boosts our confidence in the team and emphasizes our athletes’ commitment to proudly represent the UAE.”

He also said that Mubadala Investment Company’s long-term strategic partnership, in place since 2023, had been instrumental in enhancing the team’s preparation and performance at major continental and international tournaments.

Head Coach Helder Medeiros was pleased with the results, citing the high quality of play and progress made by several Asian nations. He highlighted the team’s continued analysis and preparation for the upcoming women’s and under-21 competitions.

Gold medalist Theyab Al-Nuaimi regarded his triumph as a proud moment for both himself and his teammates, recognizing weeks of intense training and discipline. He also praised his coach and the federation for their support.


Galeno returns to Al-Ahli squad ahead of season finale

Updated 25 May 2025
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Galeno returns to Al-Ahli squad ahead of season finale

  • Key player available for selection in Monday’s crucial clash against Al-Riyad
  • Forward had been out of action since injury in Elite AFC Champions League final

Brazilian winger Wanderson Galeno has rejoined Al-Ahli’s first team after a three-week absence due to injury, the club confirmed on Saturday.

Al-Ahli announced via its official X platform account that Galeno has returned to full training, making him available for selection in Monday’s crucial clash against Al-Riyadh — the 34th and final round of the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League).

Galeno had been out since sustaining a thigh muscle injury during the Elite AFC Champions League final against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale on May 3. He scored in that match, helping Al-Ahli to secure a 2–0 victory and lift the continental title.

Since his arrival from Brazil in January, Galeno has made a strong impact with 18 appearances, netting seven goals and providing five assists for the Jeddah-based side.


Real Madrid ‘legend’ Alonso returns as new coach

Updated 25 May 2025
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Real Madrid ‘legend’ Alonso returns as new coach

MADRID: Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as coach on Sunday, with the Spaniard to take over from June 1 and lead the team at the Club World Cup.
“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025 until June 30, 2028,” said Real Madrid in a statement.
With veteran Italian coach Ancelotti taking the reins of the Brazilian national team, Madrid secured a deal with former midfielder Alonso, whom they have been linked with for months.
Alonso, 43, leaves German side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the Bundesliga season after finishing second.
“Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football,” continued Los Blancos’ statement.
“He wore our shirt in 236 games between 2009 and 2014. During that time he won six trophies.”
Alonso will be officially presented on Monday at 1030 GMT.
The Spaniard coached Leverkusen to a league and German Cup double in the 2023-2024 campaign, with his team unbeaten in the top flight, making him a target for Europe’s top clubs.
Basque coach Alonso had an agreement with Leverkusen to allow him to depart if one of his former sides, including Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, wanted to hire him.
Ancelotti’s Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, winning the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup but suffering Champions League quarter-final elimination by Arsenal.
Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals and then reclaimed the Liga throne from their arch-rivals, meaning they failed to win a major trophy.
Alonso will replace one of the most successful managers in Madrid’s history, despite their struggles this season.
Ancelotti, 65, took Los Blancos to 15 trophies during two spells at the club, spanning six years.
The Italian won three Champions League trophies at the club, including La Decima — Madrid’s 10th — in 2014, with Alonso as part of his squad, although he was suspended for the final.
Alonso was also coached by Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Vicente del Bosque among others and is considered tactically adroit and an excellent organizer, which could be ideal for a Madrid side that has lacked balance.
The midfielder won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with Spain as he helped La Roja dominate the international game.
After retiring from playing in 2017 he coached Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at youth level before being appointed by Bayer Leverkusen in 2022.
Real Madrid have already signed defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer and Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to follow, with his contract coming to an end at Anfield.
Madrid are trying to bring in the England international before the Club World Cup this summer, which will be Alonso’s first chance to win silverware.
Real Madrid face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18 in their opening match at FIFA’s lucrative summer tournament, which will be the first look at Alonso’s side.


First batch of Bangladeshi players arrives in Pakistan to play three-match T20 series

Updated 46 min 20 sec ago
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First batch of Bangladeshi players arrives in Pakistan to play three-match T20 series

  • The series will be held in Lahore, with the first T20 scheduled for May 28
  • Both squads will train at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday, the PCB says

ISLAMABAD: A group of Bangladeshi players arrived in Pakistan on Sunday to play three Twenty20 internationals (T20Is) against the ‘Men in Green,’ the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be held in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, with the first match scheduled for May 28.

The first group of Bangladesh contingent arrived in Pakistan in wee hours of Sunday and two more groups will arrive on Monday, according to the PCB.

Members of Pakistan’s squad will assemble in Lahore on Sunday, while players participating in Sunday’s final of the Pakistan Super League will join on Monday.

“Both teams will train at 7:30pm at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore,” the PCB said in a statement.

Bangladesh were initially scheduled to play five T20Is, but the tour was put in jeopardy following a cross-border conflict between Pakistan and India this month.

Both neighbors clashed for four days before agreeing to a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement on May 10.

Pakistan was also forced to reschedule its Twenty20 league — the Pakistan Super League (PSL) — after a ten-day break.

The Indian Premier League — the world’s richest cricket tournament — was also interrupted.


Saad bin Munawar becomes first Pakistani to summit Mt Everest from northern side

Updated 25 May 2025
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Saad bin Munawar becomes first Pakistani to summit Mt Everest from northern side

  • Munawwar was part of a team of nine climbers who summitted the world's tallest peak as part of an expedition organized by Imagine Nepal
  • The route to Everest peak from the northern face starts in Tibet, which is different from the Nepalese route that most mountaineers take

ISLAMABAD: In a remarkable feat, Saad bin Munawar has become the first Pakistani to summit the world’s tallest mountain, 8,848-meter Mount Everest, from its northern face, his expedition organizer said on Saturday.

Munawwar was part of a team of nine climbers who summitted the world’s tallest peak as part of the Everest North Expedition organized by Imagine Nepal.

The route to Everest peak from the northern face starts in Tibet, which is different from the Nepalese side route that most mountaineers take to ascend the peak.

“Saad has become the only Pakistani climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest from the north side,” his expedition organizer said on Facebook.

“The other climbers include Justin Moore Walker, Dawa Gyalje Sherpa, Ang Mingma Sherpa, Sonam Tashi Sherpa, Ngima Dorjee Sherpa, Lakpa Tenzing Sherpa, Dawa Kami Sherpa, and Thupten Topchen Sherpa.”

A renowned adventurer, mountaineer and author, Munawwar has long been a source of inspiration in Pakistan’s adventure community. Before this Everest ascent, he was the first Pakistani to summit 6,961-meter Mt.

Aconcagua, the highest peak outside Asia, according to Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), which arranges various expeditions in Munawwar’s home country.

“This remarkable achievement is not only a personal triumph for Saad but a proud milestone for Pakistan’s mountaineering community,” it said in a statement.

“His leadership in expeditions and mountaineering literature continues to motivate a new generation of climbers.”

Earlier this week, Pakistani woman mountaineer Naila Kiani scaled 8,586-meter Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, to become the first Pakistani woman to scale 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above the height of 8,000 meters.

Kiani now stands on the threshold of joining a global elite of only 17 women who have conquered all 14 eight-thousanders, Imagine Nepal, which also organized Kiani’s expedition, said after Friday’s summit.