Update given on the future of the Saudi Arabian Masters 1000 event as PIF scale back investment

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Saudi Arabia will host a new non-mandatory Masters 1000 event from 2028.

The newest addition to the Masters 1000 calendar was confirmed last year; however, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund [PIF] scaling back investments in other sports, like golf, [LIV Golf], some began to question whether the event would be cancelled.

Which ATP youngster will win a Masters 1000 title first?

Joao Fonseca, Rafael Jodar, Arthur Fils, or Alexander Blockx…

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SURJ Sports Investment, a PIF subsidiary, is funding the new Saudi Arabian Masters 1000 event.

The SURJ Sports Investment CEO has now delivered an update on the tournament’s future.

SURJ remains ‘fully committed’ to the new Saudi Arabian Masters 1000 event

As reported by ‘The National‘, SURJ CEO Danny Townsend shared the following statement.

“SURJ Sports Investment remains fully committed to the long-term development of premium tennis in Saudi Arabia and to the future ATP Masters 1000 tournament that is scheduled to join the calendar in 2028,” he said.

“Our strategy has always been anchored in building sustainable, world-class sports platforms over the long term.

“As with all of our investments, we continue to work closely with our partners to ensure the right conditions are in place for success, and we remain confident in the role this event will play within the Kingdom’s broader sporting ecosystem.”

If Townsend is to be believed, there is nothing to worry about…

But the story of Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports is constantly changing.

When rumours spread that PIF were considering pulling funding for LIV Golf, the breakaway tour, star players and higher-ups dismissed them.

A week later, LIV Golf confirmed that PIF will no longer provide financial backing for the tour.

LIV Golf was never a profitable enterprise, but many believe it was the situation in the Middle East that prompted a change in strategy.

Tennis could well prove to be more successful, although history tells us otherwise.

Saudi Arabia signed a deal to host the WTA Finals from 2024 to 2026.

The 2024 WTA Finals were widely criticised for low attendances, and although fan support improved in 2025, the event wasn’t having the desired impact.

It was announced earlier this year that the WTA Finals will leave Saudi Arabia after 2026.

Even more worryingly, some believe Saudi Arabia won’t even host this year’s WTA Finals.

The Next Gen ATP Finals didn’t stay in Saudi Arabia for long, either, leaving Jeddah after a three-year stint last December.

With all that in mind, you can understand why some doubt the 10th Masters 1000 event will ever take place.

Who else could host a new Masters 1000 tournament?

If Townsend is wrong, and the plug is pulled on the new Saudi Arabian Masters 1000 tournament, where else could the event be held?

Well, South America would definitely be a popular choice.

The ‘golden swing’ events in South America are rumoured to be sacrificed in favour of the tournament in the Middle East, a decision that wouldn’t go down well with fans at all.

South American fans are passionate about the sport and deserve an event above the ATP 500 level.

Upgrading the Rio Open from an ATP 500 to a Masters 1000 would make a lot of sense, especially given the stardom of Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca.

Other options include Queen’s and Halle, the two grass-court ATP 500 events.

Adding a grass-court Masters 1000 event to the calendar seems logical, if not obvious.

2026 Masters 1000 tournaments

The ATP Tour could, of course, decide against adding another Masters 1000 to the calendar altogether.

Many players believe the calendar is already too busy, highlighting the increased risk of injury.

Only time will tell what the future holds for the 10th Masters 1000 event, but it will certainly be interesting to see how the story unfolds.