History made as Saudi Arabia send first female team to ITF event | ITF
Article 22 Feb 2023

History made as Saudi Arabia send first female team to ITF event

Ross McLean

22 Feb 2023

As the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, the competition’s growth continues to accelerate at a rapid pace with a host of records shattered last season.

The power, breadth and scope of the tournament is being felt across all levels and history is currently being made in Colombo, Sri Lanka where the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors by Gainbridge Asia/Oceania pre-qualifying event is taking place.

Like its professional equivalent, Billie Jean King Cup Juniors has a year-long narrative, and the first steps are being taken on the journey that will ultimately see one nation crowned 2023 world champions later this season.

For now, however, a place in final qualifying beckons for the top-ranked teams, while two nations – Saudi Arabia and Brunei – are making their Billie Jean King Cup Juniors debuts in Sri Lanka.

For Saudi Arabia, who are also competing Davis Cup Juniors in Colombo, there is an even wider context as this is the first time their nation has been represented by a female team at an ITF event .

“This is an amazing experience, and it is so empowering,” Saudi Arabia captain Areej Farah tells itftennis.com. “Taking part in this event is a big step for women’s tennis in Saudi and we are all very proud to represent our country and do our best.

“It has been so special being the captain of this team. Watching doors open for our young Saudi female athletes is just beyond exciting. I feel like I’m living through them, and I honestly thank this team for trusting me and allowing me this opportunity to guide them.  

“This is such an important step moving forward for female tennis in Saudi Arabia. I hope this motivates more girls to work towards the goal of joining the national team and representing Saudi Arabia in many events around the world.”

In short, Billie Jean King Cup is once again proving an arena for equal opportunity, reflecting key principles of the ITF player pathway and Advantage All – the ITF’s gender equality strategy.

As she represents her nation in the world’s premier 16-and-under team event, Saudi Arabia’s Dania Alzuhair is just one beneficiary of that opportunity and she firmly echoes the compelling sentiments of Farah.

“It’s groundbreaking because Saudi Arabia has a goal of expanding the number of women in sports, and being a part of that just makes us feel so lucky," Alzuhair, who was selected to deliver the players' oath at the opening ceremony, tells itftennis.com.

"We are very happy that we have this opportunity to showcase our consistent hard work. Representing Saudi Arabia gives us a lot of pride because it is our country and we have the opportunity to raise our flag. Billie Jean King Cup is a huge international event, and we are so proud to take part in it.”

Amir Borghei is the ITF’s Development Officer for West and Central Asia and has been working with the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation in the development of junior initiatives. He is naturally delighted as the historic moment in Sri Lanka unfolds.

“We’ve been working closely with the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation on several development programmes, including the ITF Junior Tennis Initiative and educational programmes for coaches and parents, over the last few years,” Borghei tells itftennis.com.

“The Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation’s approach of developing junior tennis has helped them form a girls’ team, which is participating at an ITF team event for the first time. It is wonderful to see.”