The ATP Tour has entered into a “multiyear strategic partnership” with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) expanding the kingdom’s influence in men’s tennis. As part of the deal, ATP rankings and the year-end world No 1 award will be named after the PIF and the fund will feature on-court branding at major ATP 1000 events and the ATP Finals.
While the partnership signals Saudi Arabia’s deeper involvement in tennis it does not directly challenge the existing order but emphasizes collaboration with the sport’s governing bodies. The PIF’s investment is seen as an effort to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economic portfolio and enhance its global image. Critics argue it may serve to “sportswash” the country’s human rights record.
The ATP highlights the partnership’s potential to elevate the long-term future of tennis and mentions the PIF’s contribution to the OneVision Strategic Plan. The debate continues over Saudi Arabia hosting the women’s WTA Finals with objections from tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.
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