Tennis in Saudi Arabia has become all the rage lately. Initial reports suggested the Australian Open (AO) strongly opposed the Saudi Arabian initiatives due to scheduling conflicts. While the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has launched several recent tennis ventures, the AO director now downplays any animosity. They seem to be cautiously open to the idea, suggesting a potential shift in stance.

A few weeks ago Al-Akhdar’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) made a staggering take-or-leave-it $2 B offer to merge the men’s and women’s tour. While Aryna Sabalenka is in favor of having the tennis events (esp. WTA Finals) in Saudi Arabia, the AO director is seen strongly backing the Saudi move. He said that Tennis Australia is currently looking forward to what’s best for the future of the sport.

Tennis Australia CEO sets his priority, saying they have a “generational opportunity to make a transformative change”

In September last year, Craig Tiley spoke about the “threat” of a new country suddenly wanting to push a huge amount of money into the racket sport. He said that it has happened in the past as well and he thinks “It’s been done fairly well.” He even went on to say, “I think in this case you’re talking about the Saudis, I would be surprised if their objective was to disrupt the sport.” Tiley said that he believes the objective is more to have a good event in a big manner both there and in Saudi Arabia. So, if that be the objective he said that’s a “good” one to have.

Now, speaking on the tussle that was in the news between Tennis Australia and Saudi Arabia’s PIF. He said, “It’s not a war.” Tiley added, “It’s been pitched as that potentially [but] we have spent a lot of time in research – that’s we, Tennis Australia – and listening to the players over the years. And we’ve responded by building a season [in January] that is what they’ve wanted…” He said that one can always come in conflict with what somebody else wants. So that is maybe where the perception of a battle has gone.

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Tiley repeatedly said, “We’re in battle with no one“. Instead, the only battle that he feels they’re having right now is to look out for what’s best for the future of the sport. He believes, “We have a generational opportunity to make a transformative change.” Even the United States Tennis Association counterpart, Lew Sherr echoed the same. But what did the world number 2, Aryna Sabalenka have to say about this?

“Really amazing atmosphere” – Aryna Sabalenka shares her affirmation of having the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

A few weeks ago, WTA stars were asked about their thoughts on having tennis in Saudi Arabia. And Aryna Sabalenka was in full praise of Saudi as a venue. She said, “I expected something different. They treated us really well, It was a really amazing atmosphere in the stadium. They really like tennis.”

Although there have still been many mixed reactions from the tennis world about this move, what are your thoughts on tennis moving to Saudi Arabia? Will it really help the sport to spread its wings across the different parts of the world? Share your views with us in the comment box.

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