Former world No 1 announced as WTA Finals tournament director

Former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza has been announced as the new tournament director for the WTA Finals.

Spaniard Muguruza , who won the prestigious event three years ago in Guadalajara, will take charge of the event for the next three years, with Riyadh confirmed as the host city from 2024-2026.

In an announcement from the WTA , it was confirmed that the 30-year-old, who retired from the sport last month, would work with the WTA and Saudi Tennis Federation to deliver the event.

“I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to the future of this great sport as Tournament Director of the WTA Finals Riyadh,” 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.”

Just months after officially calling time on her career, Muguruza – a champion at the French Open and Wimbledon – becomes the latest ex-pro to step into the world of a tournament director.

Past players becoming tournament directors has become commonplace in recent years, with it widely believed that ex-players can relate to the difficulties current stars face more easily.

Among the most high-profile tournament directors are Amelie Mauresmo at Roland Garros, Feliciano Lopez at the Madrid Open, and Laura Robson at the Nottingham Open.

“Garbine is a global role model who understands the power of sport to make a difference to people from all walks of life,” said Steve Simon, Chairman and CEO of the WTA.

“I know she will have the best interests of our players at heart, while remaining dedicated to the wider goals of participation and inclusivity — values on which the WTA was founded.

“She is a true champion, on and off court, and the perfect candidate for this critical role in what we believe will be a thrilling WTA Finals.”

Muguruza may face a trickier time of things than other tournament directors, though, with the backdrop to the WTA Finals hugely controversial – and only likely to attract more attention in the build-up to November’s championships.

The decision to host the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia had been rumoured for months before the official announcement in April – and has received condemnation from several high-profile figures.

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert are among the former players to have criticised the decision, with several human rights groups also critical of the move.

Current WTA stars have largely been ambivalent towards the move, though Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula have openly supported the decision.

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