The WTA believes that tennis can contribute to change in Saudi Arabia. Human rights groups say that is not conversant with reality

BBC Sport looks at how the WTA Finals, which are being held in Saudi Arabia for the first time, are unfolding - and what the reaction has been.

The eight best players in the world this year contest the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia over the coming week.Top seed Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek were the favourites to reach the final on November 9 as they compete for the title of year-end champion and the right to end the season as the world No.

In a country that is often criticized over its treatment of women, the tennis world debates the pros and cons of holding the elite women’s tournament there.

Staging the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia can help to bring change on behalf of gender equality and LGBTQ rights in the kingdom, Coco Gauff said, although the former U.S. Open champion added that she still had some reservations.

Saudi Arabia has already staged the Next Gen ATP Finals - an event for players aged 20 and under - and several exhibitions, including the recent Six Kings Slam. But the WTA Finals is the first time top players have headed to the Kingdom to compete as part of the professional tennis tour.

World No. 3 Coco Gauff addressed the controversial decision by the WTA to stage its season-ending Finals event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during a press conference Nov. 1. While acknowledging concerns related to women,

Coco Gauff has wrapped up her season as well as possible. She won the WTA Finals and the $4.8 million check that came with the trophy and defeated the women ranked Nos. 1 and 2 along the way.

The sellout crowd was bathed in purple light and the screens ringing the stadium flashed a countdown to a clubby beat. The latest conquest in Saudi Arabia’s unstoppable advance into the world of sports — soccer,