Saudi Arabia to host new ATP Masters tourney

  saudi-arabia-to-host-new-atp-masters-tourney.html
  Sports and Competition on Thu, Oct 23rd, 2025 by ESPN

Saudi Arabia to Host Its First ATP Masters 1000 Tournament

In a move that underscores the Kingdom’s expanding footprint in international sports, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) announced that Saudi Arabia will host a new Masters 1000‑level event. The tournament, slated for 2025, will take place in the capital city of Riyadh, marking the first time the country will play host to a tournament at the highest tier of the ATP Tour.

A New Chapter in Saudi Tennis

The announcement came during the ATP’s annual press conference and was accompanied by a press release that detailed the logistical and commercial framework of the venture. The event will be played on hard courts at the King Abdullah Sports City, a state‑of‑the‑art complex that already hosts the Saudi Arabian Open, an ATP 250 event held every February. The Riyadh Masters will feature a 96‑player singles draw, with a 48‑team doubles field, mirroring the structure of existing Masters 1000 tournaments such as Miami and Rome.

Calendar Placement and Prize Money

The Saudi Masters is scheduled to run from March 6 to March 14, 2025, fitting neatly into the ATP’s early‑season swing that begins in the United States and then moves through the Middle East. The tournament will provide the winner with 1,000 ranking points, the runner‑up 600, and a prize‑money purse of approximately $8.2 million—making it one of the most lucrative stops outside of the Grand Slam circuit.

ATP’s Strategic Vision

“Adding a Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia aligns with our goal of expanding the ATP’s global footprint, especially in the Middle East and Asia,” said ATP Chief Executive Massimo Calvelli in a statement. “This partnership will not only bring top‑tier tennis to a new fan base but also support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives to diversify its economy and promote sports tourism.”

The ATP’s expansion strategy is evidenced by recent moves to host 250‑level events in Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh, and the WTA’s own 1000‑level tournament in Riyadh in 2023. The new Masters 1000 event will therefore deepen the region’s standing in the professional tennis ecosystem and create a platform for players to earn significant ranking points early in the season.

Saudi Tennis Federation’s Role

Khaled Al‑Qurashi, President of the Saudi Tennis Federation, praised the decision: “It is a historic milestone for tennis in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s investment in sports infrastructure and grassroots programs is paying off, and this tournament will inspire a new generation of players.” The federation will co‑organise the event, handling local logistics, security, and fan engagement, while the ATP will oversee the tournament’s technical standards, officiating, and player commitments.

Players and Participation

While the ATP has not yet released a full list of participating players, early indications suggest that the tournament will attract a strong field. In its inaugural year, the draw is expected to feature world‑number‑one Novak Djokovic, former champion Rafael Nadal, and top‑ten ranked players such as Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The ATP’s player‑pool strategy for the new event mirrors that of existing Masters 1000 tournaments, where the top 32 players receive a first‑round bye and the remaining 64 compete in the opening round.

Broadcast and Media Coverage

The Saudi Masters will be broadcast worldwide through the ATP’s official streaming service, alongside coverage by local broadcasters and international partners such as ESPN and Eurosport. In addition, the tournament will be promoted through the ATP’s digital platforms, with real‑time updates, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes footage. A dedicated microsite on the ATP website will provide schedules, ticketing information, and interactive fan experiences.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Beyond the sport itself, the event is expected to generate significant economic activity. Local hotels, restaurants, and transport operators anticipate a boost in revenue from the influx of fans, media, and players. Moreover, the tournament will showcase Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, with opening ceremonies featuring traditional music and performances that celebrate the Kingdom’s identity.

The ATP has indicated that it will work closely with the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Office to ensure the tournament aligns with broader national objectives. This collaboration extends to initiatives such as promoting gender equality in sports, as Saudi Arabia has recently lifted restrictions on women attending sporting events and has encouraged female participation in tennis.

Looking Ahead

The Saudi Masters will become the 10th Masters 1000 event on the ATP calendar, raising the number of high‑profile tournaments from nine to ten. The addition is part of a broader trend of the ATP’s expansion into emerging markets, positioning the tour as a truly global sport. By 2025, players will be able to travel from the grass courts of London to the desert heat of Riyadh, all while competing for the same high stakes and ranking points.

As the ATP and the Saudi Tennis Federation gear up for the launch, the tennis world watches keenly. Whether the Riyadh Masters will become a staple of the ATP Tour remains to be seen, but its debut will undoubtedly signal a new era of tennis in the Middle East—one where sport, culture, and commerce intersect in unprecedented ways.