In a remarkable display of sports diplomacy, Riyadh is hosting the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals, heralded as the “crown jewel” of women’s tennis for 2024. The tournament is touted as a major breakthrough for women’s sport in the Kingdom, marking the first professional women’s tennis event held in Saudi Arabia as part of a lucrative three-year deal. Yet, behind this glittering facade of progress lies a darker and more troubling reality. As the world’s top female athletes prepare to showcase their talents in Riyadh, one individual, fitness instructor and activist Manahel al-Otaibi, languishes in a Saudi prison for simply advocating for women’s rights on social media. Al-Otaibi’s case underscores the deep contradictions inherent in Saudi Arabia’s so-called reforms, revealing how the Kingdom continues to exploit high-profile events like the WTA Finals to mask its ongoing human rights abuses.
The Reality Behind Saudi Arabia’s ‘Reforms’
Al-Otaibi, sentenced to 11 years in prison after a secret trial in January 2024, was accused of “terrorism offences” for her online support of women’s rights. Her imprisonment serves as a poignant reminder of the oppressive environment that still stifles basic freedoms in Saudi Arabia, particularly for women. The fact that she is serving a harsh sentence while the tennis tournament takes place in the very same country speaks volumes about the selective nature of Saudi reforms. Her sister, Fawzia al-Otaibi, has expressed her horror and disbelief at the stark juxtaposition of women’s sporting achievements and the brutal repression of women’s rights activists.
Saudi Arabia’s push to host prestigious international sporting events—such as the WTA Finals, LIV Golf, and Formula 1—has often been described as “sportswashing.” This term refers to the practice of using sports as a tool to deflect attention from a country’s human rights abuses and to improve its global image. Critics argue that the Kingdom’s significant investments in sports are not driven by a genuine desire to foster social change but rather to bolster the international reputation of a regime that continues to enforce draconian policies. As high-profile athletes parade in front of cameras and endorse Saudi Arabia’s supposed modernization, the government’s record on women’s rights remains largely unchanged.
Despite claims of progress, such as the lifting of the driving ban for women and the relaxation of certain male guardianship laws, the fact remains that these reforms are superficial at best. The male guardianship system, though loosened, still exists in various forms, limiting women’s autonomy in crucial areas of life. Furthermore, women remain subject to a strict dress code and face severe punishment for violations of social norms, including in cases involving personal expression and social media activity. The imprisonment of activists like al-Otaibi and the 34-year sentence handed to Salma al-Shehab for simply retweeting political content exemplifies the totalitarian nature of the Saudi regime, where even mild dissent is met with harsh retribution.
Tennis, Human Rights, and the Dilemma of Athlete Engagement
Amid this ongoing repression, the WTA Finals have ignited a fierce debate within the tennis world. Some athletes, such as world number one Aryna Sabalenka, have defended their participation, suggesting that the presence of female athletes in Saudi Arabia could help inspire a new generation of Saudi women and create a platform for dialogue. “The effort they put into women’s sport here is incredible,” Sabalenka remarked, emphasizing the importance of engaging with new audiences. However, such views fail to acknowledge the broader context of the Kingdom’s human rights record, which continues to penalize women who challenge the status quo. By accepting the invitation to play in Saudi Arabia, athletes risk lending tacit approval to a regime that continues to silence those demanding genuine reform.
On the other hand, outspoken athletes like Coco Gauff and Billie Jean King have expressed reservations about the event. Gauff, known for her activism on social justice issues, acknowledged the tension between the opportunity to inspire change and the moral imperative to speak out against human rights violations. Similarly, King, a pioneer for women’s equality in sport, emphasized the importance of engagement and dialogue in driving meaningful change but recognized the challenges of advocating for women’s rights in a country that still enforces systemic discrimination.
However, the decision of some athletes to participate in the event without addressing the underlying human rights concerns highlights the tension between sport and politics. Critics argue that by focusing solely on the economic incentives and the “history-making” nature of such events, the international sporting community is failing to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions. The $23 million prize pool and the influx of sponsorship money from Saudi backers cannot overshadow the reality faced by women like al-Otaibi, whose voices remain silenced under the weight of a repressive regime.
The Need for Accountability: Should Sports Contribute to Real Change?
Lina al-Hathloul, the sister of prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul, who spent over 1,000 days in Saudi custody for campaigning against the ban on women’s driving, has been vocal in urging athletes to use their platforms for more than just personal gain. She calls on the tennis players in Riyadh to not only acknowledge the human rights situation but to take a stand, demanding the release of imprisoned activists and pushing for further reforms. The al-Hathloul family’s experiences serve as a stark reminder that despite the Saudi government’s claims of progress, the country remains a hostile environment for those seeking to advance women’s rights.
In the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—an ambitious plan to diversify its economy away from oil—the Kingdom’s investments in sports represent a strategy to enhance its global standing and attract foreign investment. But for all the talk of reform and modernity, Saudi Arabia’s ongoing repression of women and its treatment of human rights activists remain deeply entrenched. The use of sports events as a cover for these abuses reflects a cynical attempt to “cleanse” the Kingdom’s image without addressing the systemic issues at the heart of its authoritarian governance.
Ultimately, the WTA Finals in Riyadh, while a milestone for women’s sport, are also a stark reminder of the limits of Saudi Arabia’s reforms. The Kingdom may be seeking to shape a new narrative through sports, but until it makes real changes to its human rights policies—particularly regarding women’s freedoms—the image it seeks to project will remain in stark contrast to the lived reality of many of its citizens. The time has come for the international sporting community to decide whether it will continue to be complicit in Saudi Arabia’s sportswashing or take a stand for genuine change.