Skip to main content Skip to footer 
The ATP has unveiled a “multi-year strategic partnership” with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, marking a significant move as the state deepens its involvement in professional tennis.
Under the agreement, the ATP rankings and the prestigious year-end world number one award will be renamed after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), signifying the fund’s substantial commitment to the sport. Additionally, PIF’s on-court branding will be prominently displayed at several ATP Tour’s premier events, commencing with the Indian Wells tournament next month.
While the exact value of PIF’s investment in the men’s tour has not been disclosed, the partnership is hailed as a landmark moment for tennis by ATP chief executive Massimo Calvelli, who views it as a joint effort to propel the sport’s future forward.
As part of the collaboration, PIF will also serve as a sponsor for key Tour events, including those in Miami, Madrid, Beijing, and the season-ending ATP Finals. The offer to sponsor grass-court events in the UK, such as Queen’s and Eastbourne, was extended to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) but declined in January.
Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in various sports, including football, golf, Formula 1, and boxing, has been notable in recent years. However, the nation’s human rights record, particularly concerning women’s rights and LGBTQ rights, has drawn significant criticism.
Despite controversies, the ATP’s partnership with Saudi Arabia signals a significant development in the global tennis landscape. The country has already hosted high-profile events, attracting star players and showcasing its potential to become a key player in the tennis world.
PIF’s head of corporate brand, Mohamed al-Sayyad, views the partnership as a catalyst for growth, emphasizing its potential to develop talent, foster inclusivity, and drive sustainable innovation within the sport.
While the WTA has faced criticism for considering moving its season-ending finals to Saudi Arabia, with tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert expressing opposition, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud, has defended the move. Princess Reema refuted claims of discrimination against women, although she did not address criticism regarding the country’s treatment of the LGBTQ community.
