Eyes were on Saudi Arabia as the WTA Finals just concluded in Riyadh, and it had a bit of a “make it or break it” feel to it. It’s no secret that the Bin Salman sistema has its sights set on snatching the biggest prize from Torino – the organization of the Nitto ATP Finals. But while the tournament held at the Inalpi Arena may have had some empty seats, journalist Ben Rothenberg’s accusations of a paid audience have left a sour taste in the mouth.
The WTA Finals, the season-ending tournament for the top female tennis players, were held in Riyadh for the first time this year. The event was met with mixed reactions, with some players and fans expressing concerns about the country’s human rights record and the treatment of women. But the tournament went ahead as planned, with the support of the WTA and the players who participated.
However, as the matches unfolded, it became clear that something was amiss. The Inalpi Arena, which has a capacity of 15,000, seemed to have a lot of empty seats, despite the fact that the tournament had sold out. This raised suspicions, and Rothenberg, a respected tennis journalist, took to Twitter to voice his concerns. He claimed that the majority of the audience was made up of paid spectators, brought in to fill the seats and create the illusion of a full house.
Rothenberg’s accusations sparked a debate within the tennis community, with some players and fans expressing disappointment and frustration. The WTA responded by stating that they had no knowledge of any paid audience and that they were satisfied with the turnout. But the damage had already been done, and the tournament’s credibility was called into question.
The idea of a paid audience is not new in the world of sports. In fact, it’s a common practice in countries like China and Qatar, where the government often pays people to attend sporting events. But in the case of Saudi Arabia, it raises some serious concerns. The country has been trying to improve its image and attract more tourists, and using paid spectators to create a false sense of popularity for a major sporting event is not a good look.
Rothenberg’s accusations have also shed light on the bigger issue of human rights in Saudi Arabia. The country has a long history of suppressing dissent and violating human rights, particularly when it comes to women’s rights. The fact that the WTA Finals were held in Riyadh, despite these concerns, has raised questions about the organization’s priorities and values.
But let’s not forget the positive aspects of the tournament. The WTA Finals saw some incredible matches and showcased the talent of some of the best female players in the world. It also provided an opportunity for the Saudi people to experience world-class tennis in their own country. And while the paid audience may have tarnished the event’s image, it’s important to remember that the players and the fans who attended were not responsible for it.
In conclusion, the WTA Finals in Riyadh may have had its flaws, but it also had its successes. It’s a step towards promoting women’s sports in a country where it’s not always encouraged. However, the use of a paid audience to create a false sense of popularity is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed. As for the Nitto ATP Finals, only time will tell if the Bin Salman sistema will succeed in their bid to host the event. But let’s hope that if they do, it will be for the right reasons and not just for the sake of appearances.