Future stars open Center Court for the WTA finals in Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Two future stars of Saudi women’s tennis hit the ceremonial opening shots on Center Court at the King Saud University Indoor Arena before the start of the WTA Finals in Riyadh this weekend.

The Center Court of the King Saud University Indoor Arena is ready for use ahead of the tournament, which will take place from November 2nd to 9th. Built in five days by a team of 15, the court measures 44 x 21 m and is made of special wood with four coats of acrylic paint. A total of 462 wooden planks were used to form the base. In addition, three practice areas were completed during the same period.

The court was unveiled today by Saudi Tennis Federation President Arij Mutabugani and WTA Finals Riyadh Tournament Director Garbiñe Muguruza. Two tennis talents from the Saudi Tennis Federation, Dania Alzuhair and Tala Ashoor, took the court for a ceremonial first practice session in front of over fifty representatives from the local media, the WTA and the Ministry of Sports.

During the unveiling of the court, WTA Finals tournament director Muguruza said: “This beautiful center court is just perfect.” The colors and quality made the players very happy. Many come to test it and so far the work has been worth it. It was a big effort, but we are very happy with the result.”

On the impact of the WTA Finals – the first professional women’s tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia – on young girls, Muguruza said: “The impact will encourage them to continue this journey and this sporting lifestyle, which I highly recommend. “It provides discipline, education , self-esteem and self-confidence. Seeing your idols like Aryna Sabalenka here will change their lives and inspire them to pursue this sport.”

Mutabagani, president of the Saudi Tennis Federation, added: “I can’t put into words the feeling today. It’s like a dream come true. This is the result of hard work and collaboration with various companies. It is a great opportunity to inspire one million people to enjoy tennis by 2030 and put Saudi Arabia on the global tennis map.”

Commenting on the impact of the event in Saudi Arabia, Mutabagani said: “With eight of the best players in the world almost within touching distance, the experience is indescribable. It will be the best of the best, the crème de la crème, the crown jewel. I invite everyone to come.”

Ashoor, one of the rising stars of the Saudi Tennis Federation, described her experience as, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I think this is a great way for people to get into the sport of tennis.” Ashoor, who started playing tennis at the age of 7 and was recently a finalist at the U16 National Championships, added: “This event is a good way for Players to get more involved in tennis.”

Alzuhair, a product of the Saudi Tennis Federation who will represent Saudi Arabia at the Billie Jean Cup later this year and a recent bronze medalist at the Saudi Games, said: “It was the best experience to play first in front of the professionals.” Tennis is really fun. It’s fun to watch. People should come and watch the games.”

The Hologic WTA Tour’s flagship event marks a new era in women’s tennis as it is the first-ever professional women’s tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia. It is the first of a three-year agreement between the Saudi Tennis Federation and the WTA and serves as a key pillar of the association’s goal of engaging one million people in tennis by 2030.

Information about taking part in this year’s WTA Finals in Riyadh can be found at: https://webook.com/en/events/wta-finals-tickets.