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.

The eight best players in the world this year contest the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia over the coming week.Top seed Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are the favourites to reach the final on November 9 as they compete for the title of year-end champion and the right to end the season as the world No.

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.

Coco Gauff believes bringing the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia can "open doors" and inspire positive change for women in the country, although the world number three admitted: "I'd be lying to you if I said I had no reservations".

Coco Gauff has said that she “probably wouldn’t come back” to Saudi Arabia for tennis events if she feels that change is not happening in the country. Gauff, the world No. 3, is one of eight players in Riyadh for the WTA Tour Finals,

Coco Gauff defeats Iga Swiatek in straight sets at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 5, 2024.

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