![The Saudi Arabia national flag on October 5, 2018 [Chris McGrath/Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-1045946652-scaled-e1625580114546.jpg?resize=500%2C333&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 "Tennis: Saudi's next coup in its 'sportswashing' campaign?")
Following its recent success in enticing major global sporting events to the kingdom through its financial muscle, Saudi Arabia is plotting a major push into tennis by bringing the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour event to the country. If green-lighted, Riyadh will be granted rights to host the global elite women's professional tennis circuit and further boost the country's reputation through a practice known as "sportswashing." The Saudis have been seeking a deal with the equivalent men's organisation, the ATP Tour for at least five years but have been repeatedly rebuffed. With women's tennis going through financial challenges, it's thought that the Saudis may be more successful with the WTA. "We have received inquiries from Saudi Arabia as to interest […]
