In a recent interview, tennis legend John McEnroe acknowledged the increasing influence of Saudi Arabia in the world of tennis. However, he expressed concerns about the potential impact of the country’s efforts to host a 10th Masters tournament on players and fans alike. McEnroe, known for his outspoken nature, has been critical of Saudi Arabia’s significant financial investments in tennis, particularly questioning the potential involvement of the women’s tour with the country.
Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is interested in hosting a prestigious tennis event featuring top players, possibly scheduled before the Australian Open in January. Traditionally, the tennis season begins shortly after a brief break in late December, leading to limited time for players to rest, recover, and prepare for upcoming tournaments.
During a video call from New York, McEnroe expressed his reservations about the idea, stating, “I’m not a big believer in having the tennis circuit go year-round. We need an off-season, not only for players to recuperate but for fans as well. This is an issue that has plagued tennis for a long time.”
SRJ Sports Investments, a group formed by the PIF to promote sports in the Gulf region, declined to provide comments on the matter. The PIF, which has already invested heavily in various sports such as golf, soccer, Formula One, and boxing, has been expanding its presence in men’s tennis and recently became the official naming partner of the world rankings, replacing Pepperstone.
Reflecting on the growing involvement of Saudi Arabia in sports, McEnroe commented, “After seeing what transpired in golf, I can’t say I’m entirely surprised. Many in the tennis community had anticipated this development. However, I personally do not fully support this direction.”
As part of a long-term agreement, the PIF will collaborate with ATP tournaments in cities like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing, Turin, and the Next Gen Finals in Jeddah. McEnroe, a former world number one and seven-time Grand Slam champion, recently signed on as a global ambassador for Pepperstone.
Regarding the potential financial benefits of hosting a new Masters tournament in Saudi Arabia, McEnroe acknowledged the significant resources the country could bring to the event but questioned whether it would truly benefit the sport in the long run. He emphasized the importance of allocating funds wisely and ensuring that investments contribute positively to the growth and development of tennis.
While discussions continue about the possibility of the WTA Finals moving to Saudi Arabia, some tennis legends like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have expressed reservations due to concerns about the country’s human rights record. The WTA has been urged to prioritize its values and principles when considering such partnerships.
Billie Jean King, another prominent figure in women’s tennis, believes that the WTA may eventually host events in Saudi Arabia and sees it as an opportunity to advocate for social change. However, McEnroe remains skeptical and questions the decision to hold tournaments in a country with ongoing human rights issues.
Expressing his disagreement with the idea, McEnroe stated, “When I read about it, I completely disagreed with it. I have never been to Saudi Arabia, so I cannot claim to be an expert on the matter. However, based on the information I have come across, I do not see how it aligns with the values of tennis and the importance of addressing human rights concerns.”
As discussions around Saudi Arabia’s involvement in tennis continue, the broader community awaits further developments and decisions from the relevant authorities and organizations involved in the sport.
