New Masters 1000 Tournament in Saudi Arabia: A New Chapter for Tennis
The ATP announced this Thursday the launch of a new Masters 1000 level event in Saudi Arabia. This tournament, in collaboration with SURJ Sports Investments, part of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), is scheduled to debut on the tennis calendar starting in 2028. Saudi Arabia already hosts the year-end WTA Finals and the Next Gen ATP Finals. This new Masters tournament represents PIF’s latest foray into the world of tennis. The fund is the official naming partner of the ATP and WTA world rankings, and has partnerships with several prominent events, including Indian Wells and Madrid. In addition, PIF is a sponsor of the recently launched maternity leave program by the WTA. The ATP president, Andrea Gaudenzi, called the new tournament a “proud moment” for his organization.The exact date of the event in Saudi Arabia, as well as the host city and venue, have not yet been announced. It will be the tenth ATP Masters tournament, the highest level of tennis events outside of the Grand Slams, and the first to be launched since this category was introduced in 1990. ATP players with a ranking that allows them direct entry must currently participate in eight of the nine Masters 1000 level tournaments, with exceptions for injury. Monte Carlo, which is played in April, is the only Masters event that is not mandatory. Many players, including Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, have expressed their concern about the duration and intensity of the season, as well as the extended format (from one week to 12 days) of several 1000-level events. The addition of another mandatory tournament on the men’s circuit could generate mixed reactions.This is the result of a journey that has taken years of preparation. Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a genuine commitment to tennis, not only at a professional level, but also in the growth of the sport at all levels. The PIF’s ambition for the sport is clear, and we believe that both fans and players will be surprised by what is to come.
Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman
