In a country that is often criticized over its treatment of women, the tennis world debates the pros and cons of holding the elite women’s tournament there.

Many argued that the WTA Finals should be awarded to the Czech Republic, a country with much more tennis tradition and which had submitted an offer very similar to that of Saudi Arabia. The feeling is that WTA has chosen this solution not to waste a very important chance, since Saudi Arabia could aim for men’s tennis in the coming years.

Staging the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia can help to bring change on behalf of gender equality and LGBTQ rights in the kingdom, Coco Gauff said, although the former U.S. Open champion added that she still had some reservations.

World No. 3 Coco Gauff addressed the controversial decision by the WTA to stage its season-ending Finals event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during a press conference Nov. 1. While acknowledging concerns related to women,

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates after winning the round robin match against Iga Swiatek of Poland at WTA F

As the WTA Tour Finals round-robin stages progress, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have qualified for the semifinals, where they are joined by Zheng Qinwen. Sabalenka was drawn with Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina and Zheng Qinwen in the group stage,

Staging the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia can help to bring change on behalf of gender equality and LGBTQ rights in the kingdom, Coco Gauff said, although the former US Open champion added that she still had some reservations.

Coco Gauff has admitted she has ‘reservations' over staging the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia despite stating the positive change the tournament can have in the country