LONDON — The ATP has officially announced a significant and historic expansion of its tournament calendar, confirming the creation of a new Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia. The move, a first for the men's professional tour in 35 years, solidifies the Kingdom's rapidly growing influence in global tennis and marks a major strategic shift for the sport's governance.
The new tournament, named the "ATP Masters 1000 Riyadh," is scheduled to make its debut in the first quarter of the 2025 season, running from approximately late February to early March. This placement positions it as a crucial part of the early hardcourt swing, serving as a key preparatory event for the season's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, and the prestigious 'Sunshine Double' of Indian Wells and Miami that follows.
A Landmark Addition to the Tennis Calendar
The creation of a new Masters 1000 event is a rare occurrence in modern tennis. The last time the ATP introduced a tournament at this elite level was in 2009 with the Shanghai Masters, which replaced the Hamburg event. However, the last entirely *new* Masters 1000, not a relocation, was the inception of the Miami Open back in 1985. This 35-year gap underscores the monumental nature of the Riyadh announcement. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi hailed the decision as a transformative moment for the sport, stating, "This is a pivotal moment for the ATP Tour and a significant opportunity to grow the game globally."
The tournament will feature a 96-player singles draw, matching the format of other two-week Masters 1000 events like Indian Wells and Miami. This guarantees the participation of the world's top players and ensures a substantial number of matches, maximizing fan engagement and broadcast value. The exact dates and the specific venue in Riyadh are expected to be finalized and announced in the coming months.
Saudi Arabia's Rapid Ascent in Tennis
The announcement is the culmination of a concerted and highly publicized effort by Saudi Arabia to establish itself as a powerhouse in world tennis. The nation's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already become the official naming partner of the ATP Rankings, a clear signal of its long-term commitment. Furthermore, the Next Gen ATP Finals, featuring the season's best 21-and-under players, has been hosted in Jeddah since 2023 and will continue through 2027.
This push into professional tournaments has been complemented by high-profile exhibition events that have drawn global attention. Most notably, in October 2023, the "Six Kings Slam" featured a thrilling match between the sport's two brightest young stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The event demonstrated both the country's capacity to host world-class tennis and its ability to attract the biggest names in the sport.
Saudi Arabia's tennis investments are part of a broader "Saudi Vision 2030" strategy, which aims to diversify the nation's economy and global profile through sports, entertainment, and tourism. Key initiatives in this sporting push include:
- Acquiring Premier League football club Newcastle United.
- Merging the LIV Golf tour with the PGA Tour.
- Hosting major world championship boxing matches.
Navigating the "Sportswashing" Debate
The ATP's decision is not without controversy. Saudi Arabia's investment in sports has frequently been labeled as "sportswashing" by human rights organizations and critics, who argue it is an attempt to improve the nation's international reputation and divert attention from its record on human rights, particularly the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community. The 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi also remains a significant point of international criticism.
In response to these concerns, the ATP has emphasized its belief in the positive power of engagement. Chairman Gaudenzi addressed this directly, saying, "We're aware of the complex geopolitical situation, but we believe tennis has a unique ability to bridge cultures and inspire change. Our focus is on using the sport as a force for good and creating new opportunities for players and fans."
This perspective aligns with the approach taken by other global sports bodies, such as the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and Formula 1, which have also established a significant presence in the country despite ongoing scrutiny. The WTA is also reportedly in advanced talks to host the season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, a move that would further cement the nation's status as a tennis hub.
Player Reactions and the Evolving Landscape
The player response to the new tournament has been mixed but increasingly pragmatic. While some veterans have expressed reservations, the younger generation appears more focused on the competitive and financial opportunities. Novak Djokovic previously commented on the inevitability of Saudi involvement, noting, "It's not a secret that Saudi Arabia is looking to invest heavily in sport and tennis is no exception."
For the players, the benefits of a new Masters 1000 are substantial:
- Increased prize money and bonus pool contributions.
- More opportunities to earn crucial ranking points at the highest level.
- A enhanced global schedule with premier events in new regions.
- Greater financial stability for players across the rankings spectrum.
Conclusion: A New Era for the ATP Tour
The announcement of the ATP Masters 1000 Riyadh is more than just the addition of another tournament; it represents a fundamental reshaping of the tennis calendar and the sport's geopolitical footprint. By planting its flag in the Middle East with its most valuable product outside of the Grand Slams, the ATP is betting on global growth and long-term financial prosperity. While the ethical debates will undoubtedly persist, the practical reality is that Saudi Arabia has become an undeniable and powerful force in the world of tennis, a fact that players, fans, and the tours themselves will have to navigate for years to come.