Saudi Arabia has been steadily establishing itself as a giant in the field of sports. The Gulf State has made inroads in tennis as well, and they plan to acquire even more. The latest reports suggest that the country is trying to acquire two high-profile tennis tournaments: the Miami Open and the Mutua Madrid Open.
Both tournaments are owned by the sports and entertainment giant IMG. However, Saudi Arabia’s latest venture comes on the back of the country’s effort to establish itself in the world of sports. Saudi Arabia has been accused of “sportswashing” in the past, with Prince Mohammed bin Salman even defending it. Now it seems that the country might well be on its way to hosting a prestigious tournament after all.
Madrid and the Miami Open are both 1000-level events. Both tournaments are on par with other significant tournaments like the Indian Wells and Italian Open. They also rank just below the four major Grand Slams in grandeur.
According to @TheAthletic, Saudi Arabia is pushing to buy the Miami Open or Mutua Madrid Open. They want to host a Masters 1000 at all costs 😮
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) November 3, 2023
Given the recent turmoil in the Middle East, this deal might ultimately fall through. However, Saudi has set its sights on tennis and other sports of late. The country has tried vehemently to host the WTA Finals for a while now and came close before the governing body decided on Cancun.
Saudi Arabia has changed the industry by bringing popular sports such as soccer and golf to the country. In a big win just this week, the country managed to secure the rights to host the FIFA 2034 World Cup.
Tennis is a hotbed for Saudi Arabia, despite the governing bodies managing to hold off for just a little longer. While many are welcoming the expansion of the sport, many experts have also criticized it.
Experts have criticized any potential move to Saudi Arabia
The country is a lucrative option for any business at present. However, the WTA came under fire when it was revealed that the WTA Finals would be held in the country. Saudi Arabia had already nabbed the rights to host the ATP NextGen Finals, and the big WTA event was on its radar too. However, tennis experts did not hold back from criticizing such a move.
Christ Evert and John McEnroe were two of the biggest names to oppose any potential move. Evert highlighted the human rights issues that have plagued the country and the way it treats women.
Saudi Arabia has made great strides in the world of sports of late, making smart decisions along the way. Whether the governing bodies cave into the lucrative deals remains to be seen.