Nick Kyrgios recently took to Twitter and showed his support for Saudi Arabia potentially hosting ATP Tournaments in the future. The 27-year-old believes “They [players] will finally get paid what they deserve.” Fans were quick to show their disapproval and criticize the player for his comment.
FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 https://t.co/sJpj9lK6Vg
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2023
Saudi Arabia’s latest interest in bringing Tennis to their nation after taking over various other Global Sports like football, and golf seems to be in gear. After getting a positive outcome from the meeting between the PIF [Saudi Arabia’s Public Interest Fund] and ATP chair, Andrea Gaudenzi, Saudi Arabia looks hopeful and believes tennis won’t face the same outcome as Liv Golf did.
Earlier it was also reported that the nation was also holding discussions and was on the lookout for hosting the Next Gen Finals after its 5-year deal with Milan ended.
People worldwide are talking about the decision. While some are happy and encourage the decision, others are not happy and oppose it. Along with fans, players are also voicing their opinions. While several players have commented on the same, Kyrgios who believes “they finally see the value” and typed “Sign me up” in caps has become the target of fans’ wrath and is being scourged for the same.
Fans reacted to Nick Kyrgios’ statement
Fans took to social media to show their disappointment and went as far as to brand the Aussie player the “worst guy” with the “worst opinions” in tennis.
One user also commented they were not surprised to see the player eager for ‘funds’ from the sovereign nation.
Yes I can imagine you are struggling where to buy your next supercar from
— Gripper (@CeeWGee75) June 26, 2023
Here are some of their reactions:
This one tweet crystalizes why I don’t like you.
— Lew Klein (@lewpy) June 26, 2023
You’d actually have to sign up and play actual tennis tournaments to benefit I imagine.
— Myles David (@TunedIntoTennis) June 26, 2023
One user also voiced his concerns on the economic aspect of the situation, tweeting:
It’s a house of cards Nick. They’re paying you with Petrodollars which MBS has a surplus of. The problem is will it hold its value if the Saudi’s 50 year oil supply isn’t needed? What if their vision 2030 plan fails & they buy all these sports up only to have them flop overseas?
— AI Solopreneur (@ai_soloprenuer) June 27, 2023
The PIF has also been repeatedly accused of ‘Sportswashing’ the country, a term used to describe the practice of using sports to improve and rectify the wrongdoings and reputation of individuals, corporations, groups, or governments. Saudi Arabia has always been in the news for its tarnished human rights laws which have been the main reason for the backlash it is facing.
this is sportwashing broo
— Caio (@caiovalporto) June 26, 2023
According to ATP, Kyrgios has earned US$12,486,696 through his professional career in tennis. Yet it looks like the World No. 33 Aussie is quite keen on benefiting from the lucrative deals the nation will be providing. Other than Nick, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz also looks forward and believes he will “no doubt” play there in the coming future.