Judy Murray the latest to be accused of accepting ‘sportswashing role in Saudi Arabia’
Judy Murray has become the latest tennis personality to come under fire for agreeing to be part of a controversial exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
Diriyah Tennis Cup organiseres announced earlier this week that former Great Britain Billie Jean King Cup captain Murray, the mother of Grand Slam champions Jamie and Andy, has taken up a role to help inspire young girls and women to take up the sport during the event.
It was announced that she “will provide masterclasses for aspiring coaches and volunteers, as well as taster sessions for girls and women” during the tournament, which runs from December 8-10
In a statement Murray said: “I am particularly keen to ensure girls and women are given an equal opportunity to enjoy and experience tennis, whether for fun, for fitness or for friendship. Tennis enables all of that and while it is a global sport that has produced some of the greatest sportspeople of our time, it is also, at the same time, a community where everyone can connect.
“That is the message I have relayed throughout my time as a coach and as a champion for workforce development: we need to remove barriers to participation but also to ensure we can sustain growth in participation and ensure that the community can unite to showcase how special tennis can be, regardless of age, gender or ability.”
However, human rights organisation Amnesty International has criticised the Scot for accepting the role as Saudi Arabia has been accused of sport to hide human rights violations in the country through “sportswashing”.
An Amnesty International spokesperson said: “While promoting women’s sport in a country which has long stifled women and girls’ human rights is a positive thing, it is important that Judy Murray should realise she’s being asked to perform a sportswashing role in Saudi Arabia.
“We encourage Judy Murray, as we would other attendees at the Diriyah Tennis Cup, to use the opportunity to speak out and show solidarity with those who are being persecuted in Saudi Arabia’s relentless crackdown on human rights.”
Murray’s decision is in stark contrast to her son Andy, who had admitted that he turned down a big money offer to play in Saudi Arabia.
British No 1 Cameron Norrie has also been condemned over his decision to sign up in the tournament alongside Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka.
Zverev came under from fire as he was accused of “making himself the puppet of Saudi oil billionaires”.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.