Saudi Arabia to Host First Middle Eastern ATP Masters 1000 Tournament
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s Sports Investment Company (SURJ) has secured the rights to host a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament, marking the first time the prestigious event will be held in the Middle East. The tournament, slated to begin as early as 2028, represents the first expansion of the Masters 1000 category in the ATP Tour’s 35-year history.
the decision received ”unanimous approval” from the ATP board, comprised of four player and four tournament representatives, according to ATP chairman andrea Gaudenzi. He expressed hope the tournament would be scheduled at the start of the season.
SURJ will manage sponsorship and ticketing for the event. While chief executive Danny Townsend declined to disclose the financial details of the agreement, he noted, “the value of these licences has gone up, which is a direct reflection on the popularity of tennis.”
As with other Masters 1000 event owners,SURJ will also become a shareholder in ATP Media,the tour’s global broadcast rights and production arm. Gaudenzi stated the aim is to eventually centralize all rights within Tennis Ventures, the proposed merger of commercial entities between the ATP and WTA.
This latest investment follows SURJ’s recent acquisitions, including stakes in the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and a joint venture with soccer’s kings League. The company also invested US$1 billion in sports media company DAZN, creating DAZN Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Though, Townsend clarified that SURJ’s investment in DAZN does not guarantee broadcast rights for the new tournament, stating, “Our investment in DAZN doesn’t mean that every one of our IP lands there…they’ll have their chance, just like everyone else.”
When questioned about a potential investment in the ATP Tour itself, Townsend responded, ”I certainly wouldn’t say it’s on the cards at this moment in time.”
