Overview
- SURJ Sports Investment, a unit of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, said it remains fully committed to funding a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament in the Kingdom starting in 2028.
- The pledge comes after PIF moved to pare sports outlays, including ending funding for LIV Golf after the 2026 season and selling a 70% stake in Al Hilal.
- Saudi tennis holdings are thinning, with the WTA Finals confirmed to leave after the 2026 edition in Riyadh and the Next Gen ATP Finals ending in Jeddah after three years.
- The proposed event is described as non‑mandatory and still needs ATP calendar approval, and many players say the tour schedule is already too crowded.
- Coverage notes that if the Saudi plan falters, possible hosts include an upgraded Rio Open or a new grass Masters at Queen’s or Halle, though no alternatives have been approved.