Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has entered into a five-year partnership with the men's professional tennis tour, marking a significant move by the kingdom into the world of sports. As part of this agreement, the ATP rankings will now bear the naming rights of the Public Investment Fund. This collaboration builds on the existing deal that had already secured Jeddah as the host city for the Next Gen ATP Finals from 2023 to 2027.
The partnership also includes courtside branding for the Public Investment Fund at various prestigious tournaments, such as the season-ending ATP Finals and events in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Beijing. This development comes after Pepperstone had sponsored the ATP rankings since 2022.
ATP chief executive Massimo Calvelli hailed the agreement as a significant moment for tennis, emphasizing the tour's commitment to expanding the sport's reach in Saudi Arabia. The move has sparked discussions within the tennis community about the implications of aligning with a country where certain social issues persist.
While the WTA women's tennis tour is in talks with Saudi Arabia for potential collaborations, including the hosting of the season-ending WTA Finals, the decision remains pending. Former tennis stars like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have expressed reservations, while Billie Jean King has advocated for engagement.
In a separate development, Rafael Nadal was recently named an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, further solidifying ties between the country and the tennis world. Plans are also underway for top men's players, including Nadal and Novak Djokovic, to participate in an exhibition event in Riyadh later this year.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to revamp the country's image and diversify its economy have led to various social reforms, such as granting women the right to drive and relaxing gender segregation rules. However, challenges remain, including strict laws against LGBTQ+ advocacy and same-sex relations.
Despite these complexities, the partnership between Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the men's tennis tour signals a new chapter in the kingdom's sports diplomacy and economic diversification efforts.
Source: AP tennis
