SURJ Sports Investment has partnered with the ATP to introduce a groundbreaking ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia, marking the first expansion of this prestigious category in the ATP Tour’s 35-year history. The announcement was made during a signing event in Paris, attended by key officials including Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman, and his Excellency Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Scheduled to commence as early as 2028, this new tournament will make Saudi Arabia the 10th host for the ATP Masters 1000 events, joining esteemed locations like Indian Wells, Miami, and Paris. This significant development underscores PIF’s commitment to transforming Saudi Arabia into a major hub for global sports and entertainment, showcasing tennis’s top talents in the Kingdom.
The partnership aims to foster the growth of tennis at various levels within Saudi Arabia. A nationwide grassroots program, in collaboration with the Saudi Tennis Federation, will focus on inclusivity and talent development, aiming to inspire a new generation of Saudi athletes. This initiative aligns with PIF’s broader goal of enhancing sport across the board and supporting both men’s and women’s tennis.
Andrea Gaudenzi expressed pride in this major milestone, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s dedication to developing tennis beyond the professional sphere. He noted that the collaboration with PIF and SURJ Sports Investment aims to elevate the standard of ATP events, driving growth and transformation throughout the Tour.
Bander Bin Mogren, Chairman of SURJ Sports Investment, highlighted the importance of bringing the Masters 1000 event to the region, signifying Saudi Arabia’s rise as a premier destination for world-class sports. Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, described this tournament as a pivotal move toward enhancing the nation’s sports landscape, committing to delivering an extraordinary experience for athletes and fans alike.
The Public Investment Fund plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s sports sector, promoting various sports to encourage participation and unlock economic opportunities. With Riyadh having hosted the WTA Finals since 2024 and Jeddah serving as the venue for the Next Gen ATP Finals since 2023, this new Masters 1000 event will further strengthen the Kingdom’s association with tennis and expand its fanbase.
More details regarding the specific venue and dates for the tournament will be announced in the future, signaling an exciting new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s sports history.