The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has denied any involvement in a rumored $2 billion offer to merge the ATP and WTA Tours, stating that it has no interest in causing any disruptions in the world of tennis.
The Telegraph reported that ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi discussed the proposal to merge the men’s and women’s tours with representatives from the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in California on Saturday. It is reported that Gaudenzi informed them of an offer from PIF, stating that the offer is time-sensitive and everyone involved has 90 days to make a decision.
The PIF has refused to provide a statement regarding the rumors, but sources have refuted the existence of a specific timeframe and emphasized that any speculations about potential offers are premature, given ongoing discussions with multiple organizations. Saudi sources have also rejected claims that the PIF is attempting to “purchase” the sport of tennis, stating that their goal is to be a part of the sport’s current ecosystem.
Last month, the ATP Tour announced a long-term collaboration with PIF, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s continued involvement in the sports world. Consequently, the ATP rankings and the coveted year-end world No 1 title will bear the name of PIF. Additionally, PIF’s branding will be present on the courts of prominent ATP 1000 tournaments – Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Beijing – as well as the ATP Finals in Turin.
Saudi Arabia is set to become the host of the end-of-season finals for the WTA and ATP tours, and while the PIF-backed LIV Golf Series has caused significant changes in the golf industry, the approach towards tennis is said to be more cooperative. The objective is to increase involvement in the sport among the general population in the kingdom, and not to disrupt the existing governing bodies. Some notable figures, such as Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, have expressed opposition to this decision.
According to an article in the Telegraph, the potential agreement with PIF would include Saudi Arabia hosting a Masters 1000 tournament during the first week of the season. This would directly compete with the mixed-gender United Cup team competition currently held in Australia before the Australian Open. Tennis Australia’s Craig Tiley is reported to have expressed strong opposition to this idea.
The four major tennis tournaments have not yet come to a consensus on a new Premium Tour structure that would join together men’s and women’s divisions and provide equal compensation to all players. Discussions between the ATP and WTA tours have been ongoing in hopes of potentially merging.
