At the King Saud University Indoor Arena, two emerging stars of Saudi women’s tennis took the first ceremonial shots on the newly completed center court, marking the beginning of the WTA Finals Riyadh set for this weekend.
The tournament, running from November 2 to 9, is hosted on a court meticulously constructed in just five days by a team of 15. Measuring 44 by 21 meters, the center court comprises 462 wooden panels with a four-layer acrylic coating. Alongside it, three practice courts were also completed in the same timeframe, underscoring the dedication and efficiency behind the setup.
Saudi Tennis Federation President Arij Mutabugani, alongside WTA Finals Riyadh Tournament Director Garbine Muguruza, officially revealed the court on Monday. Talented Saudi players Dania Alzuhair and Tala Ashoor inaugurated it with a symbolic first practice session, in front of an audience that included over fifty media representatives, WTA officials, and members of the Ministry of Sport.
Garbine Muguruza praised the court’s craftsmanship, stating, “This gorgeous center court is just perfection. The colors and quality have made players very happy. Many are coming to test it, and so far, the work has paid off. It’s been a great effort, but we’re very happy with the result.” She highlighted the significance of this event for young girls in Saudi Arabia, noting, “The impact will encourage them to pursue this journey and sports lifestyle, which I highly recommend. It offers discipline, education, self-esteem, and confidence. Seeing their idols, like Aryna Sabalenka, here will change their lives and inspire them to pursue the sport.”
Saudi Tennis Federation President Arij Mutabagani expressed deep pride, saying, “I cannot express the feeling today; it’s like a dream come true. This is the result of hard work and collaboration with different entities. It’s a great opportunity to inspire one million people into tennis by 2030 and put Saudi Arabia on the global tennis map.”
Mutabagani also invited the public to experience world-class tennis firsthand, adding, “With eight of the top players in the world almost within reach, this experience is indescribable. It’s going to be the best of the best, the crème de la crème, the crown jewel. I’m inviting everyone to come.”
The WTA Finals in Riyadh marks a historic milestone as the first professional women’s tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia. The tournament is part of a three-year agreement between the Saudi Tennis Federation and the WTA, anchoring the Federation’s ambitious goal to engage a million new tennis players by 2030 and set Saudi Arabia firmly on the international tennis map.
