On the way to becoming the desired center of world sport, Saudi Arabia is vigorously expanding its influence in tennis. Through its sovereign wealth fund (PIF), the kingdom is entering into a “multi-year strategic partnership” with the ATP players’ association.
In a joint statement, the two organizations announced that the cooperation represents “a significant joint commitment to promote global tennis.”
Accordingly, the PIF will now be an official partner of the ATP rankings as well as the ATP tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing, the ATP finals at the end of the season in Turin and the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. ATP boss Massimo Calvelli described the new agreement as “a significant moment for tennis.”
Saudi Arabia had recently intensified its efforts in tennis and, among other things, hired 22-time major champion Rafael Nadal as an ambassador.
For the first time, the desert state is hosting a top-class show tournament with a total of five Grand Slam winners in October, right in the middle of the ATP season. In addition to Nadal, Grand Slam record champion Novak Djokovic and Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner will also be playing at the “Six Kings Slam” in Riyadh.
Critics accuse Saudi Arabia of sportswashing
While Saudi Arabia is internationally criticized for the human rights situation there, the kingdom has been making headlines for years as the host of major sporting events.
It is well known that the Saudis want the 2034 World Cup – and will probably get it – and the biggest fights in boxing are now taking place in Riyadh, and in golf the LIV Tour is poaching numerous top players. Critics accuse the country of sportswashing.