Two months after retiring from tennis, Garbine Muguruza steps into a groundbreaking role as the first former player to become the tournament director of the WTA Finals. The two-time Grand Slam champion will collaborate with the WTA, the Saudi Tennis Federation, and the Ministry of Sport to oversee the strategic planning and execution of the event over the next three years, as it takes place in Riyadh from 2024 to 2026.
The 30-year-old Muguruza, who won the 2021 WTA Finals in Guadalajara, will play a key role in expanding women’s tennis across the Middle East and beyond.
“I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to the future of this great sport as tournament director of the WTA Finals Riyadh,” the former world No.1 Muguruza said. “I know how special this event is for our top players, and I’ve also seen its potential to inspire communities all over the world. I’m excited to work with a great team to present a showcase for women’s tennis that not only grows tennis but encourages all fans, and especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams.”
Joining a distinguished and expanding roster of former players now serving as tournament directors on the Hologic WTA Tour, Muguruza follows in the footsteps of Alicia Molik (Adelaide), Anke Huber (Stuttgart), Laura Robson (Nottingham), Barbara Rittner (Berlin), and Valerie Tetreault (Montreal). Furthermore, Amelie Mauresmo assumed the role of tournament director for Roland Garros in 2021, while Conchita Martinez oversees the ITF’s Billie Jean King Cup team competition.
The WTA Finals will be held from November 2-9, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams in the PIF Race to the WTA Finals. The Saudi Tennis Federation has set an ambitious goal to inspire 1 million people to take up tennis by 2030. (source: WTA, photo: Jimmie48)
There’s really no point in just regurgitating the publicity material which is just piffle. From what I can see the view on the ground is that the WTA (and Garbine and Judy Murray) have sold out for the money and too bad for the women of Saudi Arabia, and the gay people, and the journalists….