The ATP is in serious talks with the Saudi Tennis Federation over the potential hosting of a new Masters 1000 tournament beginning in 2025. It would take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January–ending one week before the start of the Australian Open.
Discussions are set to continue in Turin during the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals, and it sounds like a deal could be struck sooner rather than later. The Times (UK) is reporting that a tennis investment from Saudi Arabia “would be worth hundreds of millions of pounds.”
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already invested heavily in sports such as soccer, boxing, cricket, Formula 1, and perhaps most noticeably golf in the form of the LIV Tour. Unsurprisingly, tennis is next. Saudi Arabia is already hosting the NextGen ATP Finals, a deal that begins this fall and runs through at least 2027.
“We are extremely proud that ATP has selected Jeddah to host such an important tennis event,” Saudi Tennis Federation President Arij Mutabagani said when that news broke earlier this year. “The Next Gen ATP Finals embodies the philosophy of our federation, which is to inspire young talent to reach the sport’s highest levels. We’re excited to collaborate to promote the ATP Tour’s most promising rising stars, and showcase new sporting innovations, in our special city of Jeddah.”
“The ATP Tour is truly global and exploring new markets is central to growing the game,” ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi added. “Bringing the Next Gen ATP Finals to Jeddah is our chance to inspire new fans, in a region with a vast young population, and unite audiences around tennis. Our congratulations go to Jeddah and the Saudi Tennis Federation. We look forward to building on the event’s incredible success together.”
Barring an unexpected falling through of plans, that partnership will soon include an ATP Masters 1000.
If confirmed, the new event would threaten current January tournaments such as the United Cup, Adelaide, Auckland, and Pune.
thoughts?
Too near the AO.
“Exploring new markets.” yep. Follow the money, never mind anything else.
So the ATP is rewarding MBS by giving him a new masters?!😠😠
When was the last time a masters was,added to the calendar?
Pathetic!
Theres loads of well established tournaments that deserve Masters status.
Most needed on grass.
Exactly!!