Casper Ruud holds out hope for Saudi Arabia benefiting from foray into tennis despite "sports washing" criticism
Casper Ruud this week described Saudi Arabia's initiative to promote tennis in the country, as "sports washing." However, the Norwegian also holds hope for positive changes taking place in the kingdom with the sport's presence in the country.
The WTA announced in April that Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, will host the WTA Finals for the next three editions, from 2024 to 2026. This decision follows a recent agreement between the WTA and the Saudi Tennis Federation, which is an attempt to grow tennis in the kingdom. Moreover, the country is also hosting the ongoing Six Kings Slam, which will conclude on November 19.
However, the nation's laws have brought criticism from prominent tennis figures like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, who expressed concerns earlier about Saudi Arabia hosting the WTA Finals.
Casper Ruud has also given his take on the matter. Speaking to SpilXperten recently, Ruud referred to the kingdom's initiative to promote tennis as "sports washing." However, the World No. 8 believes that the country's involvement in tennis could also help. Ruud said,
"Of course they have a lot of money and I know what I'm saying will probably be described as sports washing, but it seems to me that their new leader Mohammed bin Salman wants to do something, especially in sports. He might change the country and maybe make it a little more western. Athletes traveling there could lead to a change, who knows?”
The 25-year-old suggested promoting sports could catalyze change. He said,
“I know I may seem very naive in saying this, because people will just say that it is sports washing that covers up what is really going on. But if they never started somewhere, I'm not sure there would ever be a change. If you want to start with sports, then it is something that other countries in the Middle East have also done, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To some extent, also Doha in Qatar."
Casper Ruud is through to the quarterfinals of the Nordic Open
Casper Ruud is currently competing at the Nordic Open in Stockholm, where he has advanced to the quarterfinals. Ruud received a first-round bye as the second seed and then faced Lorenzo Sonego in the second round.
The World No. 8 took control early, winning the first set 6-3. Although the Italian fought back in the second set, pushing it to a tiebreak, Ruud ultimately prevailed, winning 7-6(3) to secure his spot in the next round.
The Norwegian will face the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor, who defeated British qualifier Jacob Fearnley in straight sets. This will be the third encounter between Ruud and Griekspoor on tour, with Ruud holding a 2-0 lead in their head-to-head.