‘A major moment for tennis’: ATP agrees partnership with Saudi Arabia’s PIF

The ATP Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have signed a multiyear strategic partnership, the governing body of men’s tennis said on Wednesday, in a move highlighting the growing influence of the Gulf nation on global sport.

The PIF will now become the official naming partner of the men’s rankings as well as partner ATP tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing, the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, and the Next Gen ATP Finals staged in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in various sports such as football – including buying a majority stake in Newcastle United – Formula One, boxing and golf in the past few years while critics accuse the oil-rich kingdom of using PIF to “sportswash” its human rights record. The country denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.

The ATP said PIF had committed to developing and unlocking opportunities for young players and would also contribute to its OneVision Strategic Plan that focuses on unity, enhancing fan experiences and leveraging growth opportunities.

“Our strategic partnership with PIF marks a major moment for tennis,” the ATP chief executive, Massimo Calvelli, said in a statement. “It’s a shared commitment to propel the future of the sport. With PIF’s dedication to the next generation – fostering innovation and creating opportunities for all – the stage is set for a transformative new period of progress.”

The ATP announced in August that its Next Gen Finals for men’s under-21 players would take place in Jeddah until 2027 with the prize money increased to a record $2m (£1.7m).

Mohamed al-Sayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF, said: “Through our collaboration with ATP, PIF will be a catalyst for growth of the global tennis landscape, developing talent, fostering inclusivity and driving sustainable innovation. This strategic partnership aligns with our broader vision to enhance quality of life and drive transformation in sport both within Saudi and across the world.”

Saudi Arabia will also host a new elite tennis exhibition tournament featuring Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and three other grand slam title winners in October. Nadal was named last month as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.

The debate over Saudi Arabia potentially hosting the women’s WTA Finals has also intensified, with the tennis greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova objecting to any such move, prompting heavy criticism from the Saudi ambassador to the US.

The WTA said it was still working through a process to select a venue for the Finals. “As part of our plans to grow the value of women’s tennis, we regularly speak to both existing and potential commercial partners about possible new forms of collaboration,” it said regarding any potential sponsorship. “While we don’t rule anything out for the future, there is no new update at this time.”