Female tennis players accused of complicity in Saudi Arabia ‘sportswashing’

As top female tennis players compete in Riyadh, a Saudi fitness instructor, Manahel al-Otaibi, remains imprisoned for supporting women’s rights on social media. Activists urge players to speak out against human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, as the Women’s Tennis Association’s decision to hold the event in the country sparks debate over the role of sports in diplomacy and social change. Despite differing opinions among players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, the call for engagement and advocacy for reform from figures like Lina al-Hathloul and Billie Jean King remains strong.

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