Post by : Maya Rahman

In a significant move for international tennis, Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome a new ATP Masters 1000 event, representing the first addition to this prestigious series since 1990. The tournament will likely feature a 56-man draw, scheduled for February, underscoring the kingdom's expanding footprint in the sports world, following prior events such as the WTA Finals and Next Gen ATP Finals.

The Saudi tournament, despite its Masters 1000 classification, will not be obligatory for competitors. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi noted that players operate as independent contractors, allowing them the freedom to tailor their schedules. This policy addresses ongoing concerns regarding the length of the tennis season and the balance required for player well-being.

Criticism of a tightly packed tennis calendar has been vocal among athletes. Recent injuries affecting stars like Holger Rune, Emma Raducanu, and others illustrate the challenges posed by a demanding schedule. British number one Jack Draper has stressed the importance of calendar adjustments for sustained career health. The Saudi event is structured to last only one week, shorter than the typical 12-day format seen in other Masters tournaments, aiming to alleviate player strain.

This new Saudi tournament will complement existing Masters 1000 events located in cities such as Indian Wells, Miami, and Paris. Although initial scheduling may have faced limitations, February is currently a preferred option, aligning with the ATP’s Gulf swing that extends to tournaments in Doha and Dubai. However, this timing could impact players' availability for South American clay tournaments and European indoor events.

While prize money specifics for the Saudi event remain undisclosed, Masters 1000 tournaments must adhere to a minimum prize fund. The Paris Masters has a prize pool of €6,128,940, while Indian Wells offers slightly more. This evenly distributed prize structure is expected to attract elite players to the new Saudi competition.

No indications are currently available regarding the introduction of a WTA 1000 tournament alongside the men's event in Saudi Arabia. Although the kingdom hosted the WTA Finals in 2024, additional WTA licenses are not presently accessible. Officials remain open to the future prospect of adding a women’s event, subject to logistic and scheduling considerations.

Saudi Arabia's substantial investments in sports stretch across various disciplines, including football, golf, and boxing. This new ATP Masters 1000 event reinforces the nation’s aspiration to establish itself as a central hub for global tennis. The Public Investment Fund’s involvement as the official naming partner for ATP and WTA rankings further reflects its long-term commitment to sports in the region.

The forthcoming high-profile event coincides with ongoing conversations about player workloads. Athletes often prioritize Grand Slams and Masters events over others to manage their fatigue levels. Gaudenzi emphasized the need for a balance between opportunity, financial gain, and rest, allowing players to deliver peak performance while catering to fans’ thirst for quality tennis.

Anticipation surrounds the new Saudi Masters 1000 tournament, which is likely to be incorporated into a revamped ATP calendar for 2028. This iteration aims to complete the season at least a week earlier than typical, facilitating a more efficient scheduling of year-end events. By adopting a one-week format and strategic calendar placement, the tournament intends to integrate seamlessly into the region's burgeoning sports landscape while minimizing clashes with established clay and indoor tournaments. This initiative marks a transformative era in tennis as Saudi Arabia cements its position on the global sports stage.

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