In a landmark decision for the world of tennis, the ATP has announced the introduction of a new Masters 1000 tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028. This event, which will be played on hard courts over the course of one week at the beginning of the season, marks the first expansion of the prestigious Masters 1000 series since its inception in 1990. The exact host city is yet to be determined. The announcement was made by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi during a press conference in Paris. The Saudi tournament will join the existing nine Masters events held in iconic locations such as Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. Gaudenzi described the expansion as ‘a proud moment’ and the culmination of years of planning. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the demanding schedule of the ATP tour, which runs from January to November. However, unlike most Masters events, the Saudi tournament will not be mandatory for players, offering them greater flexibility in their participation. The event is part of a strategic partnership with SURJ Sports Investments, a company linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports, particularly tennis. The kingdom has already hosted the WTA Finals in Riyadh since 2024 and the Next Gen ATP Finals since 2023. A Saudi source close to the deal emphasized the potential for tennis to grow significantly in the region, citing existing infrastructure and the sport’s appeal to younger generations. The PIF has also established partnerships with several existing Masters 1000 tournaments, further solidifying its presence in the tennis world.