New Masters 1000 Tournament in Saudi Arabia
The ATP announced on Thursday the launch of a new Masters 1000 level event in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant expansion in the world of tennis. In collaboration with SURJ Sports Investments, part of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, the tournament is scheduled to debut on the tennis calendar starting in 2028. Saudi Arabia already hosts the year-end WTA Finals and the ATP Next Gen Finals. This new Masters tournament represents the PIF’s latest foray into tennis, as it is the official global ranking partner for both the ATP and WTA, and has partnerships with several major events, including Indian Wells and Madrid. The PIF also sponsors the WTA’s recently launched maternity leave program.The specific announcement of the event’s timing in Saudi Arabia, as well as the host city and venue, have not yet been revealed. This tournament 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 the category was introduced in 1990. Currently, ATP players with a ranking that allows direct entry must 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 concerns about the length and intensity of the season, as well as the extended format of several 1000-level events. The addition of another mandatory tournament on the men’s circuit could be met with mixed reactions.This is the result of a journey that has taken years to develop. Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a genuine commitment to tennis, not only at the professional level, but also in the growth of the game more broadly 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’s coming.
Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman
