Saudi Arabia's Game-Changer: New ATP Masters 1000 Tournament on the Horizon

Saudi Arabia is making waves in the tennis world with the announcement of a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament set to launch in 2028. This unprecedented move marks the first expansion of the elite series in its 35-year history and will position Saudi Arabia as the 10th host of such a prestigious event, joining the ranks of cities like Indian Wells, Miami, and Paris.

The tournament will be held over a week with a 56-player draw on outdoor hard courts. It represents a collaborative effort between the ATP and SURJ Sports, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), aimed at creating a state-of-the-art venue and infrastructure. An announcement on the location is anticipated soon, with options including Riyadh, known as the hub of Saudi's business and sports community.

This initiative is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy by investing heavily in sports infrastructure. By owning sports assets rather than renting rights, Saudi Arabia aims to secure long-term growth and participation in sports, highlighted by its existing investments in soccer, golf, and Formula E.