In a major decision, the ATP Tour has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host a brand-new ATP Masters 1000 tournament, with the inaugural event to begin as early as 2028. This addition will mark the first expansion of the men’s elite Masters 1000 category since it was established in 1990.
This means the current roster of nine top-tier Masters tournaments will grow to ten, a significant shift in the global tennis calendar that will surely add further debate.
The new event is the result of a partnership between the ATP and SURJ Sports Investments, a company linked to Saudi Arabia’s powerful Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is already an official partner of the ATP rankings.
Here are the details we know so far:
Debut Year: Expected to start in 2028.
Status: It will be a non-mandatory event for players, similar to the Monte-Carlo Masters, which is an important consideration given the demanding nature of the tour schedule.
Timing: The tournament is being targeted for the start of the season, potentially in February, which would extend the existing Middle Eastern swing that already includes events in Doha and Dubai.
Format: It will be a one-week event (at least to start with) with a 56-player singles draw on outdoor hard courts.
Location: The exact host city and venue are yet to be determined, though the capital, Riyadh, is considered a strong possibility.
A controversial addition to an already packed schedule
The announcement has not been without controversy, as it comes at a time when numerous top players have voiced serious concerns over the already gruelling ATP calendar, which runs for nearly eleven months. Players and coaches have repeatedly complained that the heavy workload, particularly with many Masters events being extended to two-week formats, is leading to increased injuries and burnout.
We just recently reported about the concerns from several player following Holger Rune’s injury in Shanghai.
Many will argue that adding a tenth Masters 1000 event, regardless of its non-mandatory status, is a step in the wrong direction, as the substantial prize money and ranking points will pressure every eligible player to participate.
Further investments by Saudi Arabia
This announcement is the latest in a series of major investments by Saudi Arabia into world tennis. The country already hosts the WTA Finals in Riyadh (since 2024), the Next Gen ATP Finals (in Jeddah since 2023) and the Six Kings Slam exhibition event (image on top). These moves align with the Saudi government’s ambitious Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and enhance its global presence through sport.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi commented:
“This is a proud moment for us and the result of a journey that’s been years in the making. Saudi Arabia has shown a genuine commitment to tennis – not just at the professional level, but also in growing the game more broadly at all levels.”
It will be interesting to see the player reaction to this news and if other ATP events might be removed in the near future.
