American tennis legends John McEnroe and Chris Evert have voiced their opposition to Saudi Arabian investment in the sport.
Saudi Arabia has thrown vast amounts of money into sport in recent years, with football, golf and boxing all being targeted. The country’s Public Investment Fund has established footholds by buying Newcastle United and funding a major recruitment drive for the Saudi Pro League, which has seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema and others move to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, PIF launched the hugely controversial LIV Golf breakaway, which has since signed a merger with the PGA Tour. There have been clear indications recently that tennis could be following in a similar path, with ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi describing discussions with PIF as “positive”.
