Saudi Arabia has invested billions of kronor in various sports over the past few years. Investments often accused of being about "sportswashing".
A way to whitewash the image of an authoritarian regime that violates human rights and to create "goodwill" among the domestic population.
The step into women's tennis was taken seriously by the country over a year ago when it became clear that the WTA tour's final tournaments 2024-2026 will be played in the capital Riyadh.
Has received criticism
Several stars - such as legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova - have directed criticism towards Saudi Arabia's involvement in tennis. This is due to the country's lack of rights for LGBTQI+ individuals and women.
Now, the WTA tour's investment in paid parental leave for players will be financed by the Saudi Arabian state's financing fund Pif, which is also the naming sponsor for the tour's player ranking.
The big goal is to try to get the lower-ranked players on the tour to take the time they need after a pregnancy, without worrying about economic losses through missed tournaments.
Providing economic resources, flexibility, and support to these athletes - regardless of ranking, but especially those who earn less - so that they get the opportunity to decide for themselves when and how they want to start a family, said WTA tour's CEO, Portia Archer, recently to the news agency AP and continued:
This is really something new and groundbreaking.
"Incredible start"
The investment comes after pressure from the tour's player council. More than 300 players will be able to take part in twelve months of paid parental leave. However, the exact amount in economic terms has not been disclosed.
One of the players who has been most driving the investment is Belarusian Victoria Azarenka.
It's an incredible start, and a monumental change. But I think we can look at how we can expand this fund to something even bigger and better, said the former world number one and double Grand Slam winner to AP.
