Per Ben Rothenberg, the WTA is reportedly making a change to a controversial decision it made in 2024. That decision was to move the end-of-year WTA Finals event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The WTA Finals is an annual event each November where the eight top ranked singles and doubles womenâs tennis players compete for the elite end of year title.
Elena Rybakina is the defending singles champion, and Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens are the doubles champions.
MORE: 3 ways Aryna Sabalenka is rewriting tennis history with Sunshine Double win
Where is the WTA Finals headed in 2027?
In 2026, the WTA Finals will be in Riyadh for the third year of its three year contract, and then, it will move to a new location yet to be disclosed. Many speculate it is headed to a North American location, and The Sports Business Journal is reporting that Charlotte, North Carolina is a leading contender.
The idea behind a long term deal in Riyadh was to avoid what happened in 2023 when the event was held in Cancun, a decision that was made two months in advance of the event. Hurricane-like rains and temporary tennis courts did not make for a successful event.
Nov 6, 2023; Cancun, Mexico; The Billie Jean King Trophy on day nine of the GNP Saguaros WTA Finals Cancun. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
However, the decision to go to Saudi Arabia was hotly debated among tennis legends and Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Their opinions were based on how Saudi Arabian women are treated in their culture.
MORE: Worried Emma Navarro fans speculate what caused her sudden withdrawal from Charleston Open
The WTA tried to overcome the bad press with Tunisian player Ons Jabeur firmly in support of the event. Judy Murray (Andy Murrayâs mother) was hired to assist with tennis and community wide efforts in the region.
â Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead â
MARCH MADNESS:Â 2026 Elite Eight TV schedule, two Final Four spots remaining
MLB:Â Pittsburgh Pirates make shocking decision on lineup after MLB Opening Day loss
NFL: Under the radar NFL free agent signing keeps NFC contender potent⊠and dangerous
SPORTS MEDIA:Â Pennsylvania passes huge alcohol law to celebrate FIFA and America250
ENTERTAINMENT:Â Savannah Guthrie âTodayâ show return date announced
VIRAL:Â NBA, NFL players rocked by catfish scammer posing as adult film star
O que achou dessa notĂcia? Deixe um comentĂĄrio abaixo e/ou compartilhe em suas redes sociais. Assim conseguiremos informar mais pessoas sobre o que acontece no mundo do tĂȘnis!
Esta notĂcia foi originalmente publicada em:
Fonte original