Saudi Arabia’s influence extends deeper into men’s tennis after the ATP Tour agreed to a “multi-year strategic partnership” with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
As a result of the deal, the ATP rankings and year-end World No. 1 award will be named after PIF. PIF will also provide on-court branding at major ATP 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Beijing, as well as the season finale ATP Finals in Turin.
But while the deal gives Saudi Arabia more of a say in professional tennis, it does not represent a direct challenge to the existing order. This is not a reloading of his LIV Golf strategy, but rather a sign that PIF wants to work with the sport’s existing governing bodies. Notably, the company has not yet hosted its own 1000 tournament, and has made it clear that it would like to do so.
The ATP claimed in a news release that the new contract, believed to be worth in the low seven figures, would “enhance the long-term future of tennis”.
Massimo Calvelli, CEO of ATP, said: It’s a shared commitment to driving the future of sport. PIF’s dedication to the next generation – driving innovation and creating opportunity for all – sets the stage for a new era of innovative progress. ”
ATP also announced that PIF will contribute to the OneVision strategic plan that puts it at the heart of sports politics.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in a variety of sports over the past few years, including soccer, Formula 1, boxing and golf, in an attempt to diversify its economic portfolio away from oil and make the country a better place to live. Vision 2030 Plan.
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But critics have accused the PIF of using it to “sportwash” its human rights record. Several big-name stars have already played in the lucrative exhibition in Saudi Arabia, with a new event called “6 Kings” featuring Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Ruhn. “Slam” will be held. October.
Meanwhile, debate continues over the possibility of Saudi Arabia hosting the Women’s WTA Finals, with tennis greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova opposing such a move and opposition from the Saudi ambassador to the US. has provoked intense criticism.
