Saudi Arabia to Host New ATP Masters 1000 Tournament by 2028

The ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament, potentially starting in 2028. This marks the first expansion of the ATP Masters series since its inception 35 years ago. The announcement was made during a virtual briefing by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi and SURJ Sports Investment CEO Danny Townsend. The tournament will feature a 56-player draw and will last one week, although specific details regarding the venue and exact dates remain unconfirmed.

Sports Business JournalFrom 2028 New Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi ArabiaNew York TimesSaudi Arabia to host newly created 10th ATP Masters 1000 as early as 2028The IndependentSports Illustrated

Saudi Arabia's investment in tennis has been growing, with the kingdom already hosting the WTA Finals in Riyadh through 2027 and the ATP's Next Gen Finals in Jeddah since 2023. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has become a significant player in the tennis landscape, sponsoring various events and acquiring naming rights for player rankings. The new Masters 1000 tournament is seen as a culmination of nearly three years of negotiations and strategic planning aimed at elevating Saudi Arabia's status in the global sports arena.

New York TimesFrom 2028 New Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi ArabiaThe IndependentSports Business Journal

The tournament is expected to be scheduled for February, following the Australian Open, a time already crowded with ten other ATP events across four continents. Gaudenzi has suggested the possibility of creating two tournament swings in February—one in the Middle East and another in South America. However, this would require significant adjustments to the existing calendar, which has faced criticism from players for being overly congested.

New York Times

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions within the tennis community. While some players have expressed concerns about the crowded schedule, others have raised ethical questions regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record, labeling the country's sports investments as "sportswashing." Prominent players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, have previously voiced their apprehensions about the intensity of the current tennis calendar, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach.

New York Times

Andrea Gaudenzi stated, “This is a proud moment for us and the result of a journey that’s been years in the making. Saudi Arabia has shown a genuine commitment to tennis.” Meanwhile, Townsend emphasized the importance of delivering a world-class tournament, acknowledging the challenges ahead in integrating the new event into the existing calendar.

New York Times

As the ATP works to finalize the details of the tournament, discussions will continue regarding its placement within the broader 2028 calendar. The ATP aims to ensure a balanced and sustainable schedule that accommodates the interests of players, fans, and tournament organizers alike.

From 2028 New Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia

• “This is a proud moment for us and the result of a journey that’s been years in the making.” — Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman

New York Times

• “Our ambition is to own an event, in the kingdom, both genders, having it play a meaningful role in the tennis calendar,” — Danny Townsend, SURJ Sports Investment CEO

New York Times

• “It’s too early to speculate on the impact that the Saudi Arabia Masters 1000 will have on any particular region or event,” — ATP Tour spokesperson

New York Times

The establishment of the Saudi Arabia Masters 1000 tournament represents a significant development in the world of tennis, with implications that will unfold as the sport navigates its evolving landscape.

From 2028 New Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia