Saudi Arabia to Introduce ATP Masters 1000 Tournament in 2028

In a historic move, Saudi Arabia is preparing to introduce a new ATP Masters 1000 event, the first of its kind since 1990. Scheduled to occur in February, this tournament will feature a 56-player field, highlighting the Kingdom's expanding role in the sports arena. This follows previous hostings of prominent events like the WTA Finals and the Next Gen ATP Finals in the region.

While the new event is a part of the competitive Masters 1000 series, participation will remain optional for players. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi pointed out that athletes, as independent contractors, have the freedom to select their own schedules, addressing concerns regarding the demanding tennis calendar.

With top players like Holger Rune and Emma Raducanu suffering recent injuries, the congested travel and game schedule have come under scrutiny. British player Jack Draper noted that the calendar needs revisions to sustain career longevity. The new Saudi event is expected to run for only one week, shorter than the 12-day format typical of most Masters tournaments, in an effort to lessen player strain.

The Saudi Masters 1000 will be added to the schedule of existing Masters events in venues like Indian Wells, Miami, and Paris. Initially, the timing was restricted, but February appears to be the current preference, aligning with the ATP’s Gulf swing that includes competitions in Doha and Dubai. This may impact player attendance at South American and European tournaments, though.

While exact prize amounts for the Saudi event have not been released, Masters 1000 tournaments are mandated to offer certain minimum prize funds. For instance, the Paris Masters has a prize pool of €6,128,940. Any additional funds are dispersed evenly, ensuring equity among participants. The upcoming Saudi tournament is anticipated to follow similar financial structures to attract elite players.

There are currently no plans for a WTA 1000 tournament in conjunction with the new Masters event. Although Saudi Arabia hosted the WTA Finals in 2024, no further licenses for women's events have been granted yet. Nonetheless, there is potential for future women’s tournaments, depending on scheduling and logistics.

Saudi investments in international sports extend across football, golf, Formula 1, and boxing, with the new Masters 1000 event solidifying its goal to be a key player in global tennis. Additionally, the country’s Public Investment Fund serves as the official naming partner of ATP and WTA rankings, underscoring its financial commitments and aspirations for sports development in the area.

The introduction of this high-caliber tournament arises amidst ongoing debates about player workloads. Many top athletes prioritize Grand Slams, Masters events, and the ATP Finals, often stepping back from other tournaments to manage their stamina. Gaudenzi pointed out the necessity of balancing opportunities, monetary rewards, and downtime to enable players to remain at their best while meeting fan demand for continuous high-level tennis.

Expected to feature in the 2028 ATP schedule, the Saudi Masters 1000 tournament might also conclude a week earlier than typically planned, streamlining end-of-season activities. This one-week design, alongside strategic calendar placement, aims to weave the Gulf region’s sporting portfolio into the global framework while easing conflicts with established clay and indoor competitions. This move marks a significant development for tennis as Saudi Arabia secures its place on the international sports map.