Alexander Zverev looks with cautious optimism at the ATP’s recent decision to introduce an additional Masters tournament in Saudi Arabia from 2028. The German tennis star sees this as an opportunity – but only if the measure leads to real relief for the professionals.
“I’m on the Player Council. Gaudenzi promises us players that the money will be used to buy back tournaments and thus make the season shorter,” said Zverev on the sidelines of the ATP tournament in Vienna.
The 28-year-old is alluding to ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi, who recently indicated that Saudi Arabia’s involvement could change the tennis calendar.
Zverev made it clear that he would only support a tournament in Saudi Arabia under certain conditions: “If the season is three or four weeks shorter and we don’t have to play until the end of November or beginning of December, but only until the beginning of November, then I think that’s a great idea,” emphasizes the Hamburg native.
Saudi tournament as another fixed date in the ATP calendar
For him, the focus is on the aspect of regeneration – many professionals have been complaining for years about the season being too long and physically demanding.
However, Zverev also calls for concrete actions instead of mere promises. “But if you don’t do anything with the money and just add a tournament, then it’s a nice story that he tells, but not very useful for top 10 players or top 20 players,” warns the Olympic champion in Tokyo.
The ATP officially announced on Thursday that the prestigious Masters series will include ten instead of nine tournaments from 2028. For the first time, Saudi Arabia will have a permanent place in the calendar – in return for its growing financial support for world tennis. The exact venue will be announced shortly.
Zverev’s message is clear: money alone should not determine the future of tennis – what is crucial is that the players ultimately have more time to rest and regenerate.