Saudi Arabia to Host New ATP Masters Tournament from 2028
Kingdom set to become tenth host of elite ATP Masters 1000 series in first expansion of category
Saudi Arabia will host a new men’s top-tier tennis tournament under the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) “Masters 1000” label, with a debut expected as early as 2028 and joint ownership by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund.
The event marks the first expansion of the Masters category since its creation more than three decades ago.
Under terms announced by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, the tournament will be staged on outdoor hard courts for a one-week duration, feature a 56-player draw and carry non-mandatory status for players.
The precise dates and venue have not yet been determined, though the early season—potentially February, following the Australian Open—is under active consideration.
The obligation to prioritise Saudi Arabia as the tenth host follows the kingdom’s growing role in elite tennis.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already become the official naming partner of the ATP rankings, while Saudi Arabia hosts the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah and the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
According to ATP guidance, the Saudi event will complement the existing nine Masters tournaments—Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Canada, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris—without replacing them.
The deal is managed in partnership with SURJ Sports Investment, a PIF-affiliated company, which will work with the ATP to design world-class infrastructure, support grassroots tennis development in the kingdom and build a legacy event.
Gaudenzi described the initiative as “a proud moment” and an outcome of years of planning.
Some players and industry figures have raised concerns about adding to an already packed calendar—running almost eleven months per year—as player exhaustion and injury rates have come under scrutiny.
Gaudenzi and ATP officials emphasised that the Saudi tournament’s non-mandatory status is designed to moderate pressure on the field.
For Saudi Arabia, the investment aligns with its broader ambition to position itself as a major global sports destination and diversify its economy beyond oil.
By adding a Masters 1000 event, the kingdom reinforces an existing sports strategy and deepens its footprint in elite tennis.
Final decisions on the venue, prize money, broadcast arrangements and official calendar placement are expected in the coming year, paving the way for the kingdom’s entry into the ATP’s most prestigious tier of events.
The event marks the first expansion of the Masters category since its creation more than three decades ago.
Under terms announced by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, the tournament will be staged on outdoor hard courts for a one-week duration, feature a 56-player draw and carry non-mandatory status for players.
The precise dates and venue have not yet been determined, though the early season—potentially February, following the Australian Open—is under active consideration.
The obligation to prioritise Saudi Arabia as the tenth host follows the kingdom’s growing role in elite tennis.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has already become the official naming partner of the ATP rankings, while Saudi Arabia hosts the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah and the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
According to ATP guidance, the Saudi event will complement the existing nine Masters tournaments—Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Canada, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris—without replacing them.
The deal is managed in partnership with SURJ Sports Investment, a PIF-affiliated company, which will work with the ATP to design world-class infrastructure, support grassroots tennis development in the kingdom and build a legacy event.
Gaudenzi described the initiative as “a proud moment” and an outcome of years of planning.
Some players and industry figures have raised concerns about adding to an already packed calendar—running almost eleven months per year—as player exhaustion and injury rates have come under scrutiny.
Gaudenzi and ATP officials emphasised that the Saudi tournament’s non-mandatory status is designed to moderate pressure on the field.
For Saudi Arabia, the investment aligns with its broader ambition to position itself as a major global sports destination and diversify its economy beyond oil.
By adding a Masters 1000 event, the kingdom reinforces an existing sports strategy and deepens its footprint in elite tennis.
Final decisions on the venue, prize money, broadcast arrangements and official calendar placement are expected in the coming year, paving the way for the kingdom’s entry into the ATP’s most prestigious tier of events.
