According to several reports that were published earlier, ATP would most likely introduce a 10th Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia. It was reported to be introduced into the calendar from 2025. Several objections were raised by former tennis players and other tournament organizers about this move. However, ATP recently released an official statement publicly stating that no decision has yet been taken on that. American tennis legend, Jimmy Connors and his son Brett Connors recently had a conversation about that on ‘Advantage Connors’.

Although ATP has clarified that they haven’t jumped to any conclusions yet, Saudi is most likely the front-runner as the host of this Masters event. Speaking on that, Jimmy Connors said, “Yeah it’s gonna be interesting from my standpoint to see how young players get the opportunity you know to become good. Or to have an opportunity to move up. And to play in the Masters 1000s and Grand Slam.” He stated that a lot of youngsters will then get rid of the smaller tournaments. Connors believes they would then look forward to taking part in these big tournaments. 

Connors further went on to add, “Going back to the late 60s and early 70s, I mean I played a lot of those tournaments to see and go have a chance to make my reputation. They have taken all that away. How’s that gonna work where young kids can come up and have a chance you know to become something? Are you happy with just 3 or 4 guys? Hope they just carry. It seems like that’s what has been happening for the last 23 years.” Last month it was reported that Saudi Arabia’s PIF has offered a staggering $2 Billion deal for a combined men’s and women’s tour.

According to that deal in exchange, Saudi Arabia will get to host a new Masters 1000 event in January. As per reports, initially, Tennis Australia was the first to raise an objection over holding a tournament in Saudi Arabia in January. However, things are constantly developing on this issue every day. In the meantime, Rafael Nadal became the ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s state tennis federation earlier this year. Rafael Nadal is the poster boy of ATP and this move came as a shock to some. Here’s what Nadal had said on this move earlier.

“In Saudi, there is real potential” -Rafael Nadal on tennis moving to Saudi Arabia

During an interview in January this year, Rafael Nadal said, “Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress and I’m excited to be part of that. I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world. And in Saudi, there is real potential.” Since the introduction of Saudi Arabia into the tennis world, there have been some mixed reactions that have come out from the tennis fraternity. It will be interesting to see where this heads on from here next.

However, Rafael Nadal strongly believes that the kids in this part of the world have a real passion for all sports. He feels he would be really happy if he somehow managed to help them pick up a racquet. Nadal wants to make a difference in their lives. But Jimmy Connors gave a strong reaction to Rafael Nadal’s decision at that time. What are your thoughts on these negotiations with Saudi Arabia?