Roddick questions Saudi Tennis expansion amidst human rights concerns

• Andy Roddick criticizes Saudi involvement due to human rights issues.
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• Saudi Arabia hosting “6 Kings Slam” with top players in October.
• Event raises concerns about player safety and LGBTQ+ rights.

Andy Roddick, a former US Open champion and American tennis icon, expressed his concerns about Saudi Arabia’s escalating involvement in tennis on his podcast. He voiced his apprehensions about the nation, which is known for its oil wealth, due to its discriminatory practices against women, its stance on homosexuality, and other issues.

Roddick stated, “In Saudi Arabia, loving a person of the same gender is illegal. But we have players who have openly come out. Several players like Daria Kasatkina, to name one, have come out.”

He further elaborated, “If there are tournaments in that country, what should we say to these players, who have to take a week off because of their coming out? How do we protect our players whose lifestyle choices are considered criminal when they enter that country?”

It’s important to note that Saudi Arabia has made considerable strides in tennis. After establishing the Next Gen ATP finals in Jeddah and hosting a December exhibition event featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, and Novak Djokovic, the nation announced a new major exhibition event set for October 2024.

The event, dubbed the “6 Kings Slam,” will be held in Riyadh and will showcase six of the world’s leading players: Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, and Rafael Nadal. Of these players, only Sinner has yet to secure a Slam title.

While information about the event is limited, it highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing dedication to tennis. The announcement was made by Turki Alalshikh, a well-known organizer recognized for coordinating entertainment events in the Arab nation, including sports.

This event will mark the first time Sinner and Rune will compete in Saudi Arabia, while Medvedev will be returning after his participation in the 2019 Diriyah Tennis Cup. Many details about the event, such as its duration, exact dates, and format, are still unknown, but it is anticipated to spark considerable debate, both positive and negative.

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