Tsitsipas and co discuss ‘opportunity’ to bring tennis to Saudi Arabia

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Stefanos Tsitsipas has explained the importance of playing in Saudi Arabia following backlash over the upcoming Diriyah Tennis Cup exhibition tournament. The world No 4 is among the 12 players competing at this week’s event and viewed it as an “opportunity” to bring tennis to the country despite the backlash other participants like Britain’s Cameron Norrie have faced for entering the tournament.

The Diriyah Tennis Cup begins on Thursday, with 12 top players battling it out in singles and doubles across three days in an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. The event and its players have received some pushback given the country’s human rights record, with Amnesty UK accusing Norrie of “being deliberately hired in to take part in the latest jamboree of Saudi sportswashing.”

But some players have since hit back at the criticism, with the likes of Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev claiming the exhibition tournament offers a chance to bring tennis to a country where the sport is not as popular. “I’m happy they’re introducing a big event like this,” the Greek star told The National ahead of his appearance at the event, where he is the top seed.

“And in the heart of Saudi Arabia to give opportunities to citizens from all over the world to explore this beautiful country, through its sports, through its very rich heritage and culture, and through other activities that are available within the country.”

JUST IN: Alcaraz’s team offer good and bad news as Spaniard suffers setback

His words come as Zverev shared his hopes of making tennis popular in Saudi Arabia as he prepares to make his comeback at the Diriyah Tennis Cup following six months on the sidelines after snapping several ligaments in his horror French Open injury and being diagnosed with a bone marrow edema. “I think there were not a lot of opportunities to see the best players in the world in Saudi Arabia,” the former world No 2 told the tournament’s YouTube channel.

“So I hope a lot of young kids are going to see this and take the sport of tennis forward in Saudi Arabia.” Meanwhile Andrey Rublev and Taylor Fritz – who join Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev in receiving a bye from the opening matches as the top four seeds – have also shared their reasons for participating in the controversial exhibition.

“I think it’s really great because sometimes when you finish the season and you have eight weeks of not playing tournaments … you start to feel a bit stressed or nervous because you can’t tell if you’re improving or not,” Rublev told The National fresh off his maiden semi-final appearance at the ATP Finals. “So these kinds of events help to check how your level is at the moment because you compete against other great players.”

DON’T MISS
Aussie tennis star makes ‘legal doping’ accusation as he defends Halep
Halep has chance at escaping drugs ban as star ruled out of Aus Open
Holger Rune already vying threaten Zverev’s comeback – EXCLUSIVE

With nine top 25 players and two former Grand Slam champions in the draw, Fritz thought it was the perfect opportunity to get some crucial preparation for next month’s Australian Open as he called on people to come and watch. “We’re always on the road and typically, it’s the same places every year. So anytime we get to go to a new place, I’m always pretty excited,” the world No 9 explained. 

“I’ve heard the event’s really nice. I’m excited to come and play against the best in the world and see how it is. I think it’s going to help prepare for the Australian Open and for the rest of the year because I can start out by playing against the best players in the world

“The field is so strong, so it’s always great to surround yourself with a lot of great players. People should come to support because hopefully it’ll be a lot of good tennis. Hopefully they’ll be cheering for me to win. They can expect a lot of big hitting, big serving, and hopefully some nice shot-making.”

Source: Read Full Article