Saudi Arabia to Host New ATP Masters 1000 Event in 2028

Saudi Arabia is set to host a new ATP Masters 1000 event, marking the first expansion of this category since 1990. The tournament is expected to feature a 56-man field and will most likely take place in February. This addition highlights the Gulf state’s increasing influence in global sports, following its hosting of the WTA Finals, Next Gen ATP Finals, and multiple tennis events in the region.

Despite being part of the prestigious Masters 1000 series, the Saudi tournament will not be mandatory for players. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi explained that players are independent contractors and free to choose their schedules. This approach acknowledges concerns about the length of the season, the number of events, and the need for adequate rest for both players and fans.

Players have long criticized the congested tennis calendar. Recent injuries to stars such as Holger Rune, Emma Raducanu, Daria Kasatkina, Elina Svitolina, and Paula Badosa illustrate the challenges of sustaining high performance through an intense schedule. British number one Jack Draper emphasized the need for the calendar to adapt to preserve career longevity. The new Saudi event will last just a week, shorter than the 12-day format of most existing Masters tournaments, aiming to reduce strain on players.

The Saudi Masters will join existing Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Canada, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. Although initially there were restrictions on timing, the event could now be scheduled at various points, with February currently favored. This aligns with the ATP’s Gulf swing, which includes tournaments in Doha and Dubai, but it could affect players’ participation in South American clay events and European indoor tournaments.

While exact figures for the Saudi tournament have not been announced, Masters 1000 events are required to offer a minimum prize fund. For example, the Paris Masters offers €6,128,940, with Indian Wells providing slightly more. Any additional prize money is distributed evenly throughout the draw, ensuring fairness. The new Saudi tournament is expected to follow similar guidelines, attracting top players with competitive financial incentives.

Currently, there is no indication that the Saudi event will include a WTA 1000 tournament. While Saudi Arabia has hosted the WTA Finals in 2024, no new WTA licenses are currently available. However, officials have not ruled out the possibility of introducing a women’s event in the future, either sequentially or alongside the men’s tournament, depending on logistics and scheduling.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in international sports, including football, golf, Formula 1, and boxing. The new Masters 1000 event reinforces the nation’s ambition to become a hub for global tennis. Its Public Investment Fund is also the official naming partner of ATP and WTA rankings, reflecting its financial commitment and long-term vision for sports development in the region.

The addition of another high-level event comes amid ongoing discussions about player workload. Top players continue to prioritize Grand Slams, Masters events, and the ATP Finals, often declining other tournaments to manage fatigue. Gaudenzi stressed the importance of balancing opportunity, money, and rest, allowing players to maintain peak performance while accommodating fans’ interest in continuous high-quality tennis.

The Saudi Masters 1000 tournament is expected to be part of a revised 2028 ATP schedule, which may finish at least a week earlier than usual to streamline end-of-season events. The one-week format, combined with careful placement in the calendar, aims to integrate the Gulf’s growing sports portfolio while minimizing conflicts with traditional clay and indoor tournaments. This move signals a new era in tennis, with Saudi Arabia firmly establishing itself on the global sporting map.