Saudi Arabia to Host First New ATP Masters 1000 Tournament in 35 Years
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – October 24, 2024 – The ATP Tour and SURJ Sports investment today announced a groundbreaking partnership to launch a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia, marking the first expansion of the prestigious Masters 1000 category in the ATP Tour’s 35-year history. The event will elevate Saudi Arabia to the tenth host nation for these top-tier tournaments, joining Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris.
The agreement signifies a deepening relationship between the ATP and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), building on PIF’s existing role as the official naming partner of the ATP and WTA rankings and its collaboration on the ATP tennis IQ data and technology platform. As part of the deal, the new tournament will also become a shareholder in ATP media, the Tour’s global broadcast and media arm.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to professional tennis has been steadily growing, already hosting the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah since 2023 and the WTA Finals in Riyadh since 2024.
“Bringing an ATP Masters 1000 event to Saudi Arabia is a major step forward for tennis in the region and a reflection of our shared commitment with ATP to the growth of the game around the world,” said Bander Bin Mogren, Chairman of SURJ Sports Investment. “This announcement underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a major destination for world-class sport and strengthens our ambition to support athletes, fans, and the wider tennis community for years to come. We are proud to be leading this effort with our partners, and we are committed to delivering a tournament that leaves a lasting legacy for the sport.”
Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, added, “The launch of an ATP Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia is a defining moment in our journey to enhance the sports landscape. this tournament is more than an event; it is a statement of ambition, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global sports hub. In partnership with ATP, we are committed to creating an remarkable experience for players and fans, while advancing our mission to develop sport at every level.”
