KSAsportz report
PARIS — In a groundbreaking announcement, Saudi Arabia will introduce an expanded ATP Masters 1000 tournament in 2028, the first new event since the series commenced in 1990. This significant development was revealed by SURJ Sports Investment on Thursday.
This new tournament, made possible through a collaboration between SURJ Sports Investment—a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company—and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), will place Saudi Arabia alongside nine other premier host cities for the Masters 1000 series, including Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris.
The partnership reflects a growing strategic alliance between PIF and the ATP. As part of this agreement, PIF will act as the official naming partner for both the PIF ATP Rankings and WTA Rankings and will collaborate on major ATP Tour events. Additionally, the new tournament will acquire a stake in ATP Media, the Tour’s global broadcast and media organization.
Key statistics suggest that the ATP Masters 1000 series attracts over 1.5 million spectators annually, showcasing the global interest in elite tennis. The upcoming Saudi event aims to further enhance player experiences and fan engagement while acting as a catalyst for the growth of tennis in the region.
A nationwide grassroots initiative, developed in partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation, will aim to promote inclusivity and talent development across both men’s and women’s tennis, further fueling PIF’s mission to increase sports participation.
Bander Bin Mogren, Chairman of SURJ Sports Investment, expressed that this tournament marks a significant advancement for tennis in the region. “Bringing an ATP Masters 1000 event to Saudi Arabia is a major step forward,” he said. “It emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a premier destination for world-class sports and aligns with our commitment to support the wider tennis community.”
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi noted that Saudi Arabia’s addition signals a turning point for the Tour. “The Kingdom has demonstrated a genuine commitment to tennis, not only at a professional level but also at grassroots,” he said. “Expanding our premium events contributes to record growth and transformation within the Tour, and we appreciate the contributions of our partners at PIF and SURJ.”
Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, called the launch “a defining moment” in Saudi Arabia’s sports expansion. “This tournament is more than just an event; it represents our ambition and showcases Saudi Arabia’s potential as a global sports hub,” he added.
Sports growth has become a key strategic focus for PIF, investing in various disciplines—including football, tennis, golf, and esports—to foster domestic participation and drive economic development. Notably, Riyadh has been hosting the WTA Finals since 2024, and Jeddah has been the venue for the Next Gen ATP Finals since 2023. The new Masters 1000 tournament will reinforce Saudi Arabia’s ties to global tennis and provide fans further opportunities to witness top-level competition.