Sawt Falasteen - WTA Finals moved from Riyadh to Indian Wells

The event, which brings together the eight best players of the year at the end of the season in November in both singles and doubles, had been staged since 2024 in the Saudi capital and was supposed to remain there for at least three years.

The final year has been terminated by mutual consent.

"The WTA requested to move the 2026 WTA Finals to a new host location," the organisation said in an earlier joint statement.

"The Saudi Tennis Federation accepted WTA's proposal, and the two organizations mutually agreed on the conclusion of the hosting arrangement."

Neither statement gave a reason for moving the event.

A number of high-profile sporting events in the air have been cancelled following US military strikes on Iran in February and the subsequent war in the region.

The event will now take place in California from November 8-15.

"The Indian Wells Tennis Garden provides an exceptional stage for the WTA Finals," said Valerie Camillo, chair of the WTA.

"From its world-class facilities and passionate fan base to its proven ability to deliver premier tennis events, the venue offers everything needed to showcase the very best of women's tennis."

Elena Rybakina won the 2025 event, beating Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

N.Shalabi--SF-PST