According to new reports, the PIF (Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund) has made a significant move in tennis by offering a massive $2 billion bid for a combined men’s and women’s tour. As part of the deal, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have the opportunity to host a new Masters 1000 event in January, marking a significant development in the global tennis landscape.
According to reports from the Telegraph on Tuesday, ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi held discussions with the organizers of the Masters events in Indian Wells. During these discussions, Gaudenzi briefed them on the offer made by the PIF (Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund), which amounts to $1 billion each for the ATP and the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association). The offer is rumored to be accompanied by a 90-day deadline, signaling a significant development in the future of tennis.
If the deal is accepted, Saudi Arabia will host a Masters 1000 event to kick off the new year. However, reports indicate that Tennis Australia, the host of the Australian Open, strongly opposes the merger. Currently, Tennis Australia holds the opening week slot to organize the United Cup, and they are concerned about the potential impact of the proposed merger on their existing arrangements. This opposition highlights the complexities and potential challenges involved in reshaping the tennis calendar.
The United Cup serves as a crucial warm-up event to the season’s first Grand Slam, the Australian Open. In 2024, the tournament saw substantial participation from top players such as WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek and ATP No. 1 Novak Djokovic, among others. Additionally, Australia hosts several ATP 250 events during this time in cities like Adelaide and Brisbane, attracting players like Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov. These events contribute to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Australian tennis season, showcasing top-tier talent and providing valuable preparation ahead of the Grand Slam.
Exclusive: sources report that ATP boss Andrea Gaudenzi briefed the Masters tournaments in Indian Wells on a $1bn offer from Saudi PIF to merge the men's and women's tours https://t.co/6lPhW0edGX
— Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) March 12, 2024
It’s noteworthy that the ATP recently finalized a deal with the PIF, wherein the PIF becomes the naming partner of the rankings and a partner at six major tournaments throughout the season, including the prestigious ATP Finals. This partnership marks a significant collaboration between tennis and Saudi Arabia, indicating the growing influence of the sport in the region and highlighting the ATP’s efforts to expand its global reach and enhance its tournaments’ prestige.