Saudi female tennis players challenge stereotypes as sporting dreams become reality

ABU DHABI: The landscape of global tennis is shifting, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Long known for its passion for sport, the region has in recent years rapidly evolved into a major player in world tennis, hosting marquee events, attracting top talent, and facilitating the evolution of the sport —particularly in the female game.

As the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open prepares for its third edition from Feb. 1 to 8 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, the tournament is not just another stop on the WTA calendar but a testament to the region’s growing prominence in the sport.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and now Riyadh, have become regular hosts of high-profile events, culminating in Saudi Arabia’s historic hosting of the WTA Finals in 2024.

The WTA Finals’ move to Riyadh from November last year represents a milestone moment, reflecting the growing investment and commitment to women’s sports.

The backing of such prestigious events signals a long-term vision to foster elite competition, nurture local talent, and make the region an integral part of the professional tennis circuit.

Within this broader evolution, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has carved out a unique role. Established in 2023, the tournament has grown into a crucial early-season event that not only attracts top-ranked players but also provides emerging stars with a valuable competitive platform.

The tournament’s impact extends beyond the court. It has become a beacon for the development of women’s tennis, particularly in a region where opportunities for female athletes have historically been limited. This aligns with the broader movement to elevate women’s sports within MENA.

Additionally, there are excellent initiatives such as the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, in which tournaments for aspiring players of all ages (male and female) are held across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah.

Prizes include a chance to train at the prestigious Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Spain, where Carlos Alcaraz honed his skills. The event is helping to foster a sustainable pipeline of talent in the region.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of MENA’s tennis transformation is the emergence of homegrown stars.

Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian trailblazer, is a three-time Grand Slam finalist and one of the tour’s most popular players. Her success has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for younger Arab tennis players.

Jabeur understands her important position and has said: “Being the first Arab woman to achieve worldwide success in tennis, I have become a role model, influencing young athletes all over Tunisia and Africa.”

Jabeur is not alone. Rising talents from Egypt, Morocco and the Gulf are making inroads on the professional circuit, spurred on by the growing visibility of tennis in their home countries.

Born in Texas and representing Lebanon, Hady Habib has made significant strides on the international tennis scene. In 2024, he made history by becoming the first player to represent Lebanon in Olympic tennis, facing world-class opponents including Alcaraz.

Saudi Arabia’s Yara Alhogbani, meanwhile, claimed both singles and doubles titles in her junior career before competing, as a 19-year-old, in the qualifying rounds at last year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

Although retired, both Morocco’s Younes El-Aynaoui and Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri remain influential figures in MENA tennis following solid careers, with their respective legacies continuing to motivate aspiring players.

With increased investment in coaching, facilities, and junior development programs, MENA is poised to produce even more competitive players in the years to come.

GURUGRAM: Bryson DeChambeau will break new ground this week when he competes in the International Series India presented by DLF, marking the first time he has visited the country.

The long-awaited debut means huge crowds are expected and the reigning US Open champion is clearly ready for the occasion.

“First off I want to say thank you to all of India for welcoming me so warmly,” said the American.

“I think the first time I started talking about [going to India] was last year and what the possibilities are here in India with the kids. The ability for golf, as really a young sport but changing from an older sport into a young sport, is to showcase what [it] can mean for the future generations of India. That’s always inspired me. My mission in the game of golf is to inspire, entertain, and a subtle part of it is educate as well.”

The 31-year-old, who also won the US Open in 2020, is part of a star-studded field that includes Indian Anirban Lahiri and England’s Paul Casey, who are part of his Crushers GC team on the LIV Golf League.

“Educate, entertain, inspire are my main three principles of why I play the game of golf. I think this is an amazing opportunity for all of golf to come together and see what India can truly produce for the world. And it’s a growing economy, it’s a growing population that needs golf. There’s a lot more to come, so that’s why I’m here.”

Earlier in the week, DeChambeau took time out of his schedule to visit the Taj Mahal, which had a profound impact on him.

“I felt like there was a lot of love,” he said. “I feel like people just respected the place beyond belief. I was fortunate enough to go downstairs and actually see where they’re laid to rest. And it was pretty special. Being down there, it felt … it was serene and blissful. You look at the backdrop and the colors of the sky and the white marble and the intricacies of how the building was built. I can tell you it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen in my entire life. So, it was amazing. It was a great experience.”

The Californian faces a different kind of architecture tomorrow when he tees off in the first round at DLF Golf and Country Club — one of India’s finest, yet longest and toughest, courses.

“It’s a diabolical course,” he joked. “There’s a lot going on and I think the person that’s going to do well this week has to see it for what it is, which is a strategic golf course. You have to plot your way around, be very methodical, and you can’t overpower it.

“You’ve got to be very technical here. So, 16 through 18 is a great stretch of golf. It is gettable if you hit the right shots into it. I feel pretty comfortable with it. I think I’ll give it a good go this week.”

DeChambeau has been paired with Chile’s Joaquin Niemann and John Catlin of the US for the first two days. Niemann won The International Series Rankings title last year, while Catlin secured the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

The $2 million tournament is the opening event of the season on The International Series, and the second stop on the Asian Tour, which began at last week’s Smart Infinity Philippine Open.