'I didn't get an offer' Casper Rudd shares his opinion on playing in Saudi Arabia

Casper Ruud is familiar with playing tennis in Saudi Arabia and acknowledges the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is aiming for positive change in the country. However, he is also aware of the potential criticisms surrounding the concept of sports laundering.

Rudd's take on Saudi Arabia 

In a recent interview with the Danish website Spilxperten, Ruud shared his insights regarding the nation's evolving role as host of a notably lucrative tennis tournament. His perspective highlights the complexities and opportunities present in the region's sports landscape.

NTB has shared that Ruud was not among those invited to the Six Kings Flags tournament in Saudi Arabia; instead, it was Holger Rune who received an invitation.

In a recent interview following his victory over Lorenzo Sonego at the ATP 250 tournament in Stockholm, Ruud mentioned that he had previously declined the opportunity to compete in Saudi Arabia.

“I didn't get an offer from Six Kings Slam, but I have had offers in the past to play there, and I chose not to go. It is, ofcourse, a controversial country in many ways, but there are also other countries that are controversial that we travel to and play in" Rudd said.

Ruud suggests that the criticism surrounding participation in tournaments in Saudi Arabia should be viewed within a broader context. He expresses his belief that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has the potential to positively transform the current situation in the country. While acknowledging that these plans might seem overly optimistic, he is aware that he may face accusations of overlooking the complexities involved.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in various sports on both national and international levels, focusing on areas such as golf, football, motorsport, and martial arts. These efforts showcase the kingdom's commitment to enhancing its sports culture and engaging with the global community. 

While there have been discussions about human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia, the expansion into sports also presents an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration, fostering a more inclusive environment in the world of athletics.