Soccer legend Neymar graced the WTA Finals in Riyadh, performing the ceremonial coin toss before the singles match between Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina. The Brazilian star, now playing for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, has been an avid tennis spectator lately, supporting Carlos Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam exhibition.
Neymar’s presence at the WTA Finals drew cheers from the crowd, with chair umpire Zhang Juan introducing him with a humorous quip. The Chinese official also explained Neymar’s role in the pre-match pleasantries, which included meeting players Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen.
Sabalenka, who defeated Zheng in their match, received an autographed shirt from Neymar. Zheng’s pre-match routine was briefly interrupted when her coaches were star-struck by the soccer icon.
“My team, all of my team, they had a picture with him,” Zheng said. “I was there with my fitness coach, doing some fitness, and I was there with my exercise like this, and I see, ‘Where is my team?’ Ah, OK, they’re having pictures with Neymar! What I can say?”
Zheng acknowledged Neymar’s incredible soccer skills but admitted that her team was more interested in meeting him than watching her fitness routine.
With seven days of play remaining at the WTA Finals, the appearance of other famous faces is highly anticipated.
