After many speculations and negotiations, Saudi Arabia will finally welcome a Masters 1000 event, likely beginning in 2028. It would mark the first expansion of the premium ATP series in nearly 40 years!
The ATP confirmed plans for a 10th Masters 1000 event of the season, possibly in February after the Australian Open. World no. 3 Alexander Zverev reacted to the announcement by supporting the move.
However, the German gives green light if the tournament comes with a smarter, more balanced schedule. The German suggested that the ATP should use the new event's potential financial strength to shorten the season and provide players with more rest.
Alexander emphasized that adding more tournaments to already packed calendar without adjustments makes little sense for top players. Zverev has experienced Saudi Arabia through the Six Kings Slam.
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World no. spoke positivekly about his experiences in the country, describing its growing investment in sport as impressive while expressing his readiness to compete when the tenth Masters 1000 event debuts.
Alexander acknowledged political sensitivities. However, he highlighted the nation's ongoing transformation and compared the upcoming official ATP tournament to long-established ones in Dubai in Doha.
"If they promise us to use the money from the tenth Masters 1000 event to buy back tournaments and shorten the season, it would be great for players. It would be great if we could end the season by mid-November and have an additional three off-season weeks.
If everything remains the same, the addition of the tenth Masters would be a nice story, but it would not make much sense for the top-10 or top-20 players. I hope everything will turn out nicely.
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Regarding Saudi Arabia, I enjoyed spending my time there. I like it. They are doing many great things for the sport, which is good to see. On political matters, the context is not always the best.
However, they are trying to make changes. This year, it felt like a new country to me. I'm not a politician. If there is a Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia, I will play it. They have been played in Dubai or Doha for 30 years, and I do not think there have been any problems.
I can speak for what I know, which is tennis. The ATP should start using that money to give something back to the players," Alexander Zverev said.
