As we enter the second half of the Tennis tour with three more Slams to go, there is a possibility that the paradigm of the sport might shift soon. Amidst the Wimbledon race, there have been questions about the ATP in discussions with Saudi Arabia. In the past few years, we have seen a lot of professional athletes pursue their careers in Saudi Arabia, which included lucrative deals.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has warned that Saudi Arabia’s involvement could potentially ruin the tour. He cited the example of Golf where a new tour was created to compete with the present PGA tour. The players can have different opinions over the deal, as it means they will earn considerably more than in in the past.
“WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE, SIGN ME UP”: KYRGIOS BACKS SAUDI ARABIA ATP BID FOR POTENTIAL FINANCIAL … https://t.co/xvvFHtYYNM pic.twitter.com/o74FgUL2W7
— Greek City Times (@greekcitytimes) June 26, 2023
The latest deals in football involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema brought in a lot of questions about top players’ decisions and their influence on the current generation. Youngsters will definitely think twice about staying in their current leagues when an offer arises from the other side.
Novak Djokovic’s view on ATP Saudi Arabian talks
Novak Djokovic had his say when reporters asked his view on the latest ATP talks involving Saudi Arabia in the future. The World No. 2 said, “I think that we as individual sport on a global level are probably closest to golf in terms of how we see sports..”
“..I think from that example we can probably learn a lot, some positives, some negatives, and try to structure a deal if it’s going in that direction in a proper way that is going to protect the integrity and tradition and history of this sport, but still be able to grow it in such way that it will be appropriate.” he added. (via South China Morning Post)
While there have been many exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia, players like Andy Murray have questioned the playing conditions in the country. The ethical concerns about human rights are well known, but ATP events have been held regularly in Russia and China for years. With the current perspective kept in mind, it’s not a question of why and how, but when the Next Gen Finals might be held in Jeddah.
Taylor Fritz earned over a million dollars at the Diriyah Tennis Cup held at the end of last season. Nick Kyrgios has also come out in support of the talks, saying they will benefit the players. It will become easier for lower-ranked players to compete in more events and earn almost double what they did before. It all rests upon the ATP and WTA, as the players will try to adhere to their decisions.