Ever since Saudi’s Public Investment Fund’s interest in tennis became clear, various reports have emerged about a new tournament in Saudi Arabia. The reports suggested that the ATP will be launching a 10th Masters tournament that will be hosted by Saudi. This comes against the backdrop of tournaments like the Next-Gen Finals as well as the WTA Finals (from 2024-2026) being hosted in the oil-rich country. While many rumors suggested a 10th Masters tournament would be launched soon, the men’s tennis governing body issued a clarifying statement that put these rumors to rest.

Taking to its official Twitter handle, the statement by the ATP read, “We are aware of reports in the media claiming that a decision has been reached concerning a 10th ATP Masters 1000 tournament. We would like to clarify that these reports are inaccurate. No decisions have been made and any updates will be communicated at the appropriate time.”

While other sports such as golf and soccer have already seen massive investments by the Public Investment Fund, tennis is on the radar to enter that league. Earlier this year, there was also an attempted $2 Billion bid by Saudi’s PIF to merge the ATP and the WTA. A move that challenged to change the dynamics of the sport, it received major flak from across the tennis community. Renowned names like Brad Gilbert and Stan Wawrinka were at the forefront of this criticism.

What is the reaction of the ATP stars to Saudi’s involvement in tennis?

In the so-called ‘PIF Tour’ which combined men’s and women’s tours, Saudi’s vision was to have combined events and unified media and data rights, apart from equal prize money for male and female athletes. Another major vision was to host a Masters tournament in Saudi Arabia. However, this concept faced criticism from players and coaches in the tennis world.

Coco Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert said, “It’s a good thing we’re getting the ball rolling. A couple of things that definitely need to be addressed, both tours, the ATP and the WTA. It doesn’t work like this in professional sports that the CEO represents the players and the tournament. So that is a direct conflict of interest that the CEO represents both the sides.”

Trending

‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia

May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s Nail-Biting Madrid Final Forces Chris Evert to Break Her Long-Drawn Silence With a Stirring Message

May 04, 2024 10:39 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Joins Iga Swiatek in Giving a Cold Shoulder to Coco Gauff as WTA Big 3 Debate Rages On

May 03, 2024 05:11 PM EDT

Coco Gauff Soars to New Heights With $5.3 Billion Worth Sponsor as She Announces Delightful Sneaker Surprise for Fans

May 04, 2024 07:30 PM EDT

Andy Roddick Lays Bare Coco Gauff’s Issues That’s Ending Her Case as WTA Spearhead Alongside Swiatek and Sabalenka

May 03, 2024 04:57 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Meanwhile, Wawrinka took a shot at the Grand Slams amid the Saudi takeover bid, saying, “The Grand Slams have zero transparency on their accounts. They do not work for the vision of the future of tennis, have no desire to work in the direction of the players and the youngest. Nothing in this project is good for anyone except them.”

While the ATP put rumors about a new Masters tournament in Saudi to rest, only time will tell what impact will Saudi’s investment have in tennis. If a new tournament does come into place, it’ll be interesting to see how the players react, given the already cramped schedule in the tennis calendar.