Fans from across Saudi Arabia have shared their excitement from seeing the world’s top female tennis stars up close and personal at the WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF.
Thousands have been at the King Saud University this week to be part of the monumental event. The positive reaction from the local fans was evident from the first serve, with the live matches complemented by fan activations to help encourage participation.
The event forms a key part of the Saudi Tennis Federation’s aim to inspire 1 million into the sport by 2030.
Monday’s action saw fans witness significant wins for WTA World Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Qinwen Zheng from China, with the two tennis superstars inspiring the new generation of Saudi women into the sport.
After seeing a commanding performance from Sabalenka, Tala, 15 from Saudi Arabia felt the sheer power of her idol playing on the courts of the capital. “It’s so cool to watch the best women’s players here in Saudi Arabia, you can see all the aspects of the game that you just can’t experience when you watch it on TV,” she said.
“When they’re mad or nervous, you realise they’re just like us. It’s really inspiring to see that and it gives me confident that we can become like that. Sabalenka has really impressed me to see in real life, she hits the ball so hard.
“She’s so strong and I’ve never seen a female player like that. She’s like a tiger and I really want to be like her.”
With the King Saud University stadium also seeing thousands of Chinese fans in attendance to cheer on their hero – Qinwen Zheng – the passion for the game is rubbing off on the local crowd as a result.
“I really feel a connection with Zheng after her match, I really wanted her to win after seeing her play and her energy, it’s infectious!” expressed local fan Dana, 21, attending her first ever tennis event.
“Events like this mean a lot as we get to see how the country is growing. It’s great to have the WTA Finals here and I’m really enjoying the tournament so far.”
The WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF is the latest event as part of the nation’s calendar of international sporting spectacles, with over 100 global sporting events being held in the Kingdom since 2018.
Arranged in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the event aims to inspire the nation’s youthful population into an active and healthy lifestyle, with sporting events at the forefront.
